The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall across Coastal Karnataka and parts of the interior region on Thursday, August 28. The warning comes as Varuna—the rain god—continues to lash the state, disrupting Ganesh Chaturthi (Chauthi) celebrations and daily life.
IMD Forecast Highlights
- Red Alert: Coastal districts including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada
- Yellow Alert: Interior districts such as Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, and Bengaluru Rural
- Wind Advisory: Gusts up to 60 kmph expected along the coast
- Rain Duration: Heavy showers likely to continue through September 2
Impact on Chauthi Celebrations
Ganesh Chaturthi festivities have taken a hit:
- Public pandals flooded in Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karwar
- Processions postponed or scaled down due to safety concerns
- Devotees advised to avoid immersion in swollen rivers and lakes
- Local administrations deploy emergency teams to manage crowd safety
School Closures & Travel Disruptions
Several districts have declared holidays for schools and colleges on August 28. Commuters are facing delays due to waterlogged roads, fallen trees, and disrupted train services in coastal and central Karnataka.
Advisory for Residents
Authorities urge citizens to:
- Stay indoors unless necessary
- Avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas
- Follow updates from IMD and district administrations
