Heavy rains forecast in 7 districts in Karnataka

A heavy rainfall warning has been issued in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Kodagu, Shimoga, Chikmagalur and Hasan districts over the next 48 hours, owing to a depression in the Arabian sea.

Thunder squalls with wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph are likely off the coast in the next 24-hours. Fishermen have been advised not to enter the sea, the Meteorology Department said. Deputy commissioners have been directed to be alert and take precautionary measures in all vulnerable areas during the rains, it said, adding that control rooms should be fully operational and all incidents be reported.

The department has instructed that rescue and relief teams be kept on standby for emergency duties.