Heavy rain warning for Karnataka; IMD issues red alerts in multiple districts

BENGALURU: With the southwest monsoon intensifying across Karnataka, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi on Monday, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. The weather department has also sounded a red alert for five districts — Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga — on Tuesday. For Wednesday, the red alert has been extended to seven districts: Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Belagavi, Dharwad and Haveri. According to the IMD, the alerts will remain in effect for 24 hours from 8.30 am on the respective days. A red alert signifies the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours. Authorities have advised residents in the affected districts to remain cautious as heavy rain activity is expected to intensify over the coming days.