Karnataka is grappling with severe disruptions as relentless monsoon rains continue to batter the state, leading to significant infrastructure challenges. On Saturday, June 14, 2025, a landslide occurred at Kettikallu in Belthangady taluk, blocking National Highway 169 (NH-169), a crucial route connecting Mangaluru to interior Karnataka. While there were no reported casualties, the landslide has highlighted the vulnerability of the state’s infrastructure during the monsoon season.
In Mangaluru city, the situation has been dire. An hour-long downpour beginning around 4 p.m. led to widespread urban flooding. Areas such as Pumpwell, Bikarnakatte, Kaikamba, and Kankanady experienced severe waterlogging, with overflowing stormwater drains inundating streets and entering homes and commercial establishments. The Mangaluru Central railway station’s entrance and platform were also affected, causing inconvenience to passengers. Residents have expressed frustration over the recurring issue of flooding, attributing it to inadequate stormwater drainage systems. In Attavar, residents faced flooding for the second time in two weeks, worsened by a collapsed retaining wall blocking a stormwater drain. Underground drainage systems overflowed city-wide due to dislodged manhole covers, exacerbating the situation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a nowcast warning for thunderstorms with lightning in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Raichur, and Yadgir districts. The forecast indicates continued rainfall in coastal and Malnad regions over the next few days, raising concerns about further disruptions.
Elsewhere in the state, rain-related damage has been reported from Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts. Minor landslides and tree falls were recorded in hilly areas near Madikeri and Sringeri. In Raichur and Kalaburagi, heavy rain led to localized flooding in low-lying rural areas, affecting crops and disrupting road connectivity. In Shivamogga, the Tunga river is flowing above the normal level due to upstream rainfall, prompting the district administration to monitor villages along the riverbanks closely.
State disaster management officials have activated control rooms in all districts likely to be affected, and emergency teams are on standby. No casualties have been reported as of Saturday evening, but authorities are urging residents, especially in low-lying and landslide-prone areas, to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain. The ongoing monsoon season has underscored the need for robust infrastructure planning and maintenance to mitigate the impact of such natural events. As Karnataka continues to battle the monsoon’s fury, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and restoring normalcy in the affected regions.
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