Karnataka on Edge as Monsoon Returns with Fury; IMD Warns of Intense Rainfall Through June 14

Bengaluru, June 11:
After a brief monsoon hiatus, the skies over Karnataka have darkened once again—both literally and figuratively. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for nine districts in the state as monsoon winds gather strength, bringing with them the threat of torrential rain, flash floods, and possible landslides through June 14.

This renewed spell of rainfall, which resumed on June 10, is expected to intensify over the next 72 hours, impacting key regions across coastal, northern, and interior Karnataka.

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Red Alert Rings Loud Across Coastal and Western Ghats

According to the IMD's latest bulletin, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, Dharwad, Haveri, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga are under red alert—the highest warning tier signaling the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204 mm in 24 hours.

These regions, particularly the Western Ghats and coastal belt, are highly susceptible to landslides, river swelling, and urban flooding due to their topography and drainage constraints.

Local authorities have been directed to activate disaster response teams, monitor reservoir levels, and keep evacuation plans ready. In Udupi and Mangaluru, schools may be closed depending on rainfall severity on Wednesday.

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Orange and Yellow Alerts Expand Rainfall Coverage

The IMD has placed Vijayapura, Mysuru, Hassan, Davanagere, Koppal, Raichur, and Gadag districts under orange alert, forecasting rainfall between 115 mm and 204 mm. These zones are advised to prepare for moderate flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and traffic disruptions.

Meanwhile, a yellow alert, indicating heavy but non-disruptive rainfall, has been declared for Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga, Kolar, Mandya, Ramanagara, and Tumakuru.

Residents in these areas can expect thunderstorms, gusty winds, and short but intense bursts of downpour, especially in the evenings.

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Tuesday Night’s Preview: Bengaluru and Beyond Drenched

Last night offered a foretaste of the days ahead as Bengaluru experienced thunder-laced rain, plunging parts of the city into traffic chaos and power outages. Rain gauges recorded significant precipitation in areas like JP Nagar, Yeshwantpur, Koramangala, and Whitefield.

Elsewhere in the state, heavy rainfall was reported from Aurad, Bidar, Annigere, Chittapur, Sira, Maddur, Gubbi, and Chitgoppa. Coastal towns like Kundapur, Bantwal, Karkala, and Mangaluru also received intense rain overnight, triggering concerns of localized flooding.

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Forecast Breakdown: Rain Timeline Across Karnataka

The IMD has provided a district-wise breakdown of the rainfall timeline:

• Coastal Karnataka (Udupi, DK, Uttara Kannada): June 12 to 16

• North Karnataka (Belagavi, Bidar, Raichur, etc.): June 12 to 15

• South Interior Karnataka (Bengaluru, Mysuru, etc.): June 15 to 16

Meteorologists attribute the surge in rainfall to a strengthening offshore trough along the Kerala-Karnataka coast and moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea.

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Emergency Preparedness: A Race Against Time

With IMD’s upgraded alerts, the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued advisories for:

• Flood-prone areas to be identified and marked

• Evacuation shelters to be prepared with food, medicine, and clean water

• Reservoir and dam authorities to monitor water levels round-the-clock

“We are in touch with local panchayats and city corporations across the 13 affected districts. All departments have been placed on high alert,” said a senior KSDMA officer.

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Public Advisory: Stay Informed, Stay Indoors

Residents are advised to:

• Avoid travel during heavy rainfall hours

• Stay away from water bodies, especially swollen rivers and lakes

• Avoid low-lying underpasses and subway roads

• Secure loose objects on rooftops and balconies

• Keep emergency numbers (Disaster Helpline: 1070 / Police: 112 / Ambulance: 108) accessible

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Impact on Agriculture and Infrastructure

While the rainfall may help replenish drought-hit farmlands in North Karnataka, there’s concern it may damage standing kharif crops if the intensity persists. Infrastructure projects, especially roadwork and flyover construction, are also expected to face delays due to waterlogging and site access issues.

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Conclusion: Caution is the Best Umbrella

As Karnataka re-enters a phase of heavy monsoon activity, the next few days are crucial. Preparedness, public cooperation, and proactive governance will determine whether this remains a weather event or escalates into a humanitarian challenge.

Stay tuned to official IMD updates and district announcements. When nature arrives with thunder, caution must lead the way.