Bhatkal\: Heavy rain that began on Thursday evening across Bhatkal and surrounding areas intensified late at night after a brief lull and continued until Friday morning, bringing widespread showers across Coastal Karnataka. While residents welcomed relief from the intense heat, a prolonged power outage caused considerable hardship in Bhatkal and nearby localities.
After nearly an hour of heavy rain on Thursday evening, there was a short break before rainfall intensified again late at night, accompanied by thunder and lightning. The showers brought a noticeable drop in temperatures following several days of hot and humid weather.
According to HESCOM officials, power supply was disrupted at around 1 a.m. after a fault developed in the Kumta–Honnavar 110 kV transmission line. Although the initial fault was rectified, a subsequent fault was detected on the Bhatkal 33 kV line, delaying restoration efforts. As a result, electricity supply remained disrupted for nearly 14 hours before being restored at around 4 p.m. on Friday.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru, has issued an Orange Alert for Uttara Kannada district for the next five days as monsoon activity strengthens over Karnataka. The department has forecast continued rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds during the period.
According to the district-wise forecast issued by the IMD, Uttara Kannada will remain under the “Be Prepared to Take Action” category until June 10. The weather agency has warned that heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and winds of up to 50 kmph is likely in several parts of Coastal Karnataka over the coming days.