Drenched and Disrupted: Mangaluru Grinds to a Halt Amid Relentless Rains
Mangaluru, July 24:
The skies opened up once again over the coastal belt of Karnataka, soaking Mangaluru and its surrounding towns in a steady, sometimes ferocious, downpour. By late Wednesday night, it was clear—this wasn’t your usual monsoon rhythm.
The district administration, acting swiftly on the IMD’s warning of continued heavy rainfall, declared a holiday for all anganwadis, government, aided and private schools, and pre-university colleges in the Dakshina Kannada district on Thursday, July 24. While some sighed in relief, others worried the rains might only intensify.
“By 4 a.m., water had already started pooling near our compound,” said Ravi Shetty, a resident of Kotekar. “I’ve never seen this much water come in so fast, not even last year.”
The rains, which began early Wednesday, didn’t relent even as the clock ticked past midnight. Streets in low-lying areas were flooded, and traffic was either crawling or completely halted in places like Ullal and Moodbidri. Social media was flooded too—this time not with reels, but with real-time videos of submerged roads, overflowing drains, and stranded auto-rickshaws.
“Is this rain or a rehearsal for a swimming competition?” posted one local on X, accompanied by a picture of a flooded schoolyard.
Another commented, “Hope the holiday is extended. Not risking my child’s safety when the road outside looks like a river.”
The taluk-level officers have been asked to report to headquarters without fail, while nodal officers are on alert, keeping a close watch on local conditions and attending to distress calls. Fishermen, in particular, have been urged not to venture into the sea. The tides may be beautiful, but today they’re treacherous.
What’s more concerning is the uncertainty. While rains offer some respite from the heat, the unpredictable surges risk triggering landslides or power outages. Yet, amid the tension, there’s also a shared resilience. Mangaluru has weathered worse—quite literally.
The district authorities have also requested that parents keep children away from lakes, riverbanks, and seashores—areas that may look deceptively calm but can be perilous with sudden surges.
“We’re not just dealing with water, we’re dealing with unpredictability,” noted a tahsildar from Bantwal taluk, urging citizens to remain cautious and informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Will schools remain closed beyond July 24 in Dakshina Kannada?
As of now, the holiday is for Thursday, July 24 only. Authorities will assess rainfall and safety conditions before making further announcements.
Q2. Can fishermen venture out after the rain eases?
Fishermen are advised to stay ashore until further notice, as high tides and strong winds pose serious safety risks even after the rains slow down.