Bhatkal: Heavy rain lashed Bhatkal and surrounding areas on Thursday evening, with showers beginning around 6 p.m. and continuing intermittently late into the night, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for Uttara Kannada district.

According to the district administration, Uttara Kannada is likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall between June 5 and June 10. The IMD has forecast rainfall of 64.5 mm to 115.4 mm at several places across the district, while isolated locations may receive very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.5 mm to 204.4 mm.

The warning comes as the southwest monsoon continues to advance along India's west coast. The IMD's latest monsoon update indicates further strengthening of monsoon activity over the Arabian Sea and Coastal Karnataka.

District authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official weather advisories. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and exercise caution, particularly in low-lying and landslide-prone areas.

The administration has activated monsoon preparedness measures, including disaster management and emergency response systems, in anticipation of widespread rainfall over the coming days.