Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 23: The coastal belt of Karnataka is set to see continued rainfall activity over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting intermittent showers and gusty winds along the western coastline till May 29.
Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada have all been placed under yellow alert as weather conditions remain unsettled across the state.
According to the IMD forecast, Karnataka will continue to experience widespread rain activity over the next several days. In total, 17 districts are under yellow alert, while Koppal and Gadag have been placed under orange alert due to the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated pockets.
In coastal Karnataka, officials have warned of intermittent moderate to heavy spells, accompanied by gusty winds and rough sea conditions in vulnerable stretches. Residents in low-lying and high-risk areas have been advised to remain cautious as rainfall activity intensifies.
Bengaluru has also been brought under yellow alert, with the city expected to receive moderate rainfall over the next 48 hours.
Other districts under yellow alert include Yadgir, Raichur, Bagalkote, Ballari, Davanagere, Vijayanagara, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru South and Chamarajanagar. Authorities have urged residents across these regions to stay alert as weather patterns remain highly variable.
Meanwhile, Koppal and Gadag districts are expected to witness stronger rainfall activity, prompting the orange alert warning. Officials have cautioned that these areas may experience intense showers, localised flooding and wind-related disruption.
The state has already begun recording rain-related losses. In Koppal district, heavy rain and strong winds have damaged crops across large areas. According to Koppal Deputy Commissioner Suresh Itnal, a total of 166.4 hectares of crops have been affected.
Of this, 165.2 hectares comprise horticultural crops including banana and betel leaf plantations, while around 1.5 hectares of sugarcane cultivation has also suffered damage. Joint survey teams have been deployed to assess the extent of losses in affected regions.
The IMD has indicated that rainfall activity is likely to persist in Koppal and Gadag over the coming days, reinforcing the orange alert status. Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant, follow advisories, and take precautionary measures as Karnataka enters an active spell of pre-monsoon showers across coastal and interior districts.