Bhatkal – Torrential rains that began around 4 p.m. on Wednesday evening wreaked havoc across Bhatkal, flooding several areas and causing major disruption to traffic, particularly on the National Highway near Shamsuddin Circle and the adjacent Sagar Road.
Heavy waterlogging turned stretches like Madina Colony and Tenginagundi Cross into temporary ponds, with vehicles seen wading through waist-deep water. At Shamsuddin Circle and Sagar Road, the situation was worsened by ongoing road construction on one side, which left no outlet for the rainwater, while illegal stalls over stormwater drains on the other side choked the drainage system. As a result, water remained logged from Sagar Road to Shamsuddin Circle.
Meanwhile, in Maqdoom Colony’s Safa Street, a compound wall owned by Mohammad Altaf Khalifa collapsed onto the roof of his house during the downpour, causing significant damage to the structure. Fortunately, all four residents present at the time escaped unharmed.
Earlier in the day, the Meteorological Department had issued an ‘Orange Alert’ for all coastal districts, anticipating heavy rains. Intermittent showers continued throughout the morning, but by late afternoon, dark clouds engulfed the sky, bringing a sudden drop in visibility followed by intense lightning, thunder, and heavy rainfall. Within minutes, roads were submerged and stormwater drains overflowed.
Looking ahead, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘Red Alert’ for Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts—including Bhatkal—for Thursday through Saturday, warning of continued heavy rainfall over the next three days.