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Red Alert in Karnataka: IMD Flags Six Districts Amid Torrential Rains; Schools Closed in Multiple Areas
As the southwest monsoon makes an early and aggressive entrance, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for six districts across Karnataka, signaling the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24–48 hours. Schools have been closed in Kodagu, Mysuru, and Chikkamagaluru, while emergency teams are on high alert across vulnerable regions.
The districts under the red alert zone include:
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Dakshina Kannada
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Udupi
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Uttara Kannada
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Kodagu
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Shivamogga
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Chikkamagaluru
Meanwhile, an orange alert has been declared for another six districts, including Belagavi, Dharwad, Hassan, Mandya, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagar, where heavy rain accompanied by lightning, gusty winds, and localized flooding is expected.
A Deluge That Disrupted Daily Life
Since Wednesday night, torrential rains have battered parts of coastal and Malnad Karnataka, submerging roads, uprooting trees, and damaging power lines in isolated areas. The IMD noted that rainfall in some parts of Shivamogga and Kodagu districts exceeded 110mm in a single day.
“We are seeing intense monsoon activity earlier than usual this year, driven by low-pressure systems forming in the Arabian Sea,” said Dr. M.S. Patil, senior meteorologist at IMD Bengaluru.
In Mangaluru and Udupi, several low-lying neighborhoods reported waterlogging, and stormwater drains overflowed, forcing residents to shift to higher ground. In Chikkamagaluru, landslip fears have triggered early evacuation in hilly hamlets around Sringeri and Mudigere.
Precautionary School Closures Announced
As a safety measure, district administrations in Kodagu, Mysuru, and Chikkamagaluru declared school holidays for all government and private institutions on Thursday and Friday, with potential extension depending on further IMD updates.
“This is a preventive decision. We cannot risk student safety when roads are waterlogged and visibility is poor,” said Dr. M.N. Ravi, Kodagu District Commissioner.
The move follows multiple incidents of school buses getting stranded during last year's floods, prompting stricter protocols under Karnataka's disaster management policy.
Emergency Measures in Place
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed in Dakshina Kannada and Shivamogga, while NDRF units are stationed on standby in Udupi and Kodagu.
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Control rooms have been activated in all red-alert districts.
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Rescue boats and flood barriers are on standby.
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Electricity boards have been directed to inspect transformers and low-hanging lines.
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Taluk-level health teams have been alerted to prepare for waterborne illnesses and outbreak management.
State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reviewed the situation through a video conference with deputy commissioners and urged timely alerts to be issued to remote villages via panchayat offices.
Farmers and Infrastructure at Risk
The rains come at a critical juncture for farmers preparing land for the kharif sowing season. While monsoon arrival is typically welcome, excessive and early rainfall may damage seedbeds and hinder mechanized tilling.
In Hassan, where orange alerts are active, early reports suggest silt erosion along paddy terraces. Bridges in Sakleshpur and Arkalgud have been declared ‘watch zones’ after river levels rose overnight.
Transport officials have issued a travel advisory to avoid ghat roads like Charmadi, Agumbe, and Shiradi, where landslide risk is high. Several intercity buses from Bengaluru to coastal districts have been cancelled or rerouted.
Tourism Takes a Hit
Karnataka’s hill tourism hubs—Coorg, Agumbe, and Chikkamagaluru—have reported widespread cancellations at homestays and eco-resorts. The tourism department has advised against trekking and waterfall visits until further notice.
“Our priority is to keep tourists safe and prevent rescue operations like we faced last year,” said Rashmi Hegde, Kodagu Tourism Officer.
Weather Outlook and Safety Advisory
The IMD forecasts continued heavy to very heavy rainfall across Karnataka until at least June 2, with isolated areas potentially receiving over 200 mm of rainfall.
Citizens are advised to:
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Avoid unnecessary travel to affected districts
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Stay away from rivers, waterfalls, and landslide-prone slopes
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Keep emergency kits, backup lighting, and drinking water ready
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Report fallen trees or power lines to district helplines
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