Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 18: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Karnataka’s coastal districts, including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada, along with eight other districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall from May 19 to 22. The alert follows the likelihood of a low-pressure system developing over the Arabian Sea near the Karnataka coast by May 22.
C S Patil, director of IMD Bengaluru, stated that the state is expected to experience widespread rainfall between May 18 and 22. The weather system forming over the Arabian Sea is likely to bring thunderstorms, lightning, and intense showers across multiple regions of Karnataka, particularly the coastal belt and interior districts.
Orange alert for 11 districts
The IMD has placed 11 districts under an orange alertfrom May 19 to 22: Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Hassan, Haveri, Dharwad, Gadag, and Belagavi. These areas are likely to witness heavy rainfall with occasional thunderstorms and strong winds.
Yellow alert for several interior districts
A yellow alert has been declared for May 19 and 20 in the districts of Bengaluru Rural, Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, and Ramanagara, indicating chances of moderate rainfall accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.
Red alert for Chitradurga
Chitradurga district has been placed under a red alert for May 19, with forecasts predicting extremely heavy rainfall that may cause localised flooding and disruptions.
Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel during intense weather, and stay updated with official advisories.
Emergency services have also been asked to remain on standby in vulnerable regions.