Mangaluru, May 21 (UNI) Heavy rains continued to lash the coastal districts of Karnataka, throwing normal life out of gear and disrupting vehicular movement on several key highways due to severe waterlogging.

In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, incessant downpours since Monday night led to flooding on National Highway-66 and other arterial roads, causing traffic snarls and stranding commuters for hours. Authorities issued warnings to motorists and deployed personnel to manage the situation in the affected areas.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the region has received above-normal rainfall for the month of May. Several low-lying areas in Mangaluru city were submerged, prompting residents to shift to safer places.

District administrations have sounded alerts in vulnerable zones and asked educational institutions to remain vigilant. Emergency teams have been kept on standby in view of the forecast for continued heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours.

Officials said no casualties have been reported so far, but property damage and disruptions to local transport and power supply have been widespread.

More rain is expected across the coastal belt, and the IMD has urged fishermen not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions.

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