Bhatkal: Heavy rains that began on Wednesday morning continued till 8 p.m. at the time of reporting, with the meteorological department warning that the downpour is likely to persist on Thursday as well. In view of the forecast, the Uttara Kannada district administration has declared a holiday for schools and colleges across ten taluks. Meanwhile, at the Mavin Kurve port in Bhatkal, a fisherman was reported missing after falling from a boat into the sea.
According to sources, the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday night when the fisherman was aboard the Sagar Persian boat. It is said that he was working as a cook for the crew and went missing after resting in the boat that night. The missing fisherman has been identified as Manjunath Gowda (51), a resident of Kumta. Search operations were launched, but heavy rains and strong winds hampered rescue efforts, and by Wednesday evening no trace of him had been found.
The torrential rains also disrupted daily life in Bhatkal. Heavy waterlogging was reported on the National Highway at Ranginkatte and Shamsuddin Circle, slowing down traffic movement, while the Old Bus Stand, Main Road, and Marikatte areas also remained waterlogged for hours. However, as the intensity of the rain reduced, water gradually receded from the streets.
Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya has announced the closure of educational institutions on Thursday in ten taluks—Bhatkal, Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Joida, and Dandeli. Meanwhile, reports of heavy rainfall have also come in from the neighbouring districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada.