Parts of Karnataka are being lashed with heavy to heavy rains on Saturday. The Indian Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for the entire state for both rains and strong surface winds.
An orange alert was issued for Dakshina Kannada, Shivamoga, and Chikkamagaluru, while a yellow alert was issued for Uttara Kannada, Kodagu and Udupi.
The Meteorological Department warned that there would be widespread rain in most parts of the state for about 12 hours on Saturday.
Heavy rains are likely to increase in the Coastal and Malnad regions.
The rains are to be accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph.
In south interior Karnataka, heavy rains are forecast in Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru,
Light to moderate rain, meanwhile, can be expected at Bengaluru Urban and Rural, Chamarajanagara, Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, Davangere, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru, Ramanagara, Tumakuru, Kodagu, Hassan and Vijayanagara.
The Dakshina Kannada district Disaster Management Authority has also declared a holiday for Anganwadi centres. All government, aided and private high schools and pre-university colleges in Puttut, Belthangady, Sulya and Kadaba Taluks.
Meanwhile, North Interior Karnataka is expected to receive lighter rainfall, with light to moderate rain at a few places over Belagavi, Gadag, Dharwad and Haveri, while light rain is likely over Bagalkot, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur, Vijayapura and Yadgir. Winds gusting at 40 to 50 kmph can also be expected in the parts of the region.
The rains can be expected to continue to next week. Most of the heavy rains in the state can be expected to be in the coastal parts.
Residents have also been advised to avoid low-lying areas, lakes, riverbanks and seashores.
