Sun Jun 01 03:08:54 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Karnataka Grapples with Deadly Pre-Monsoon Rainfall, Braces for More**

**Bengaluru, June 1, 2025:** Unprecedented pre-monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Karnataka, claiming the lives of 71 people since April, according to a statement released by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s office on Saturday. The rainfall, the highest recorded in 125 years for both the pre-monsoon season and the month of May, has left a trail of destruction, damaging homes and crops across the state.

The statement revealed that the state received 219 mm of rainfall in May, a staggering 197% above the average normal rainfall of 74 mm. Similarly, the pre-monsoon period (March 1 to May 31) saw 286 mm of rainfall, 149% higher than the normal 115 mm. Lightning strikes, falling trees, house collapses, drowning, landslides, and electrocution were cited as causes of the fatalities.

The government has disbursed emergency compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased. Compensation has also been provided for the loss of livestock (698 out of 702 cases) and damage to houses (1,926 out of 2,068 cases). Over 15,378 hectares of crops, including agricultural and horticultural varieties, have been damaged, and compensation processing is underway.

Adding to the concerns, the India Meteorological Department’s revised Southwest Monsoon Forecast indicates the possibility of above-normal rainfall across Karnataka during the June-September period. Most districts are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in June.

To prepare for the upcoming monsoon season, four National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts. A fifth team remains in Bengaluru. The fire brigade, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other emergency services are also on standby for rescue operations.

Despite the challenges, the state’s major reservoirs hold 316.01 TMC of water as of May 31, 35% of their total capacity. This is significantly higher than the 179.95 TMC (20% of capacity) recorded during the same period last year. Inflows into the reservoirs surged between May 19 and May 29, reaching a cumulative 718,193 cusecs (62.05 TMC), due to widespread and heavy rainfall in the catchment areas. The state government is urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as the monsoon season approaches.

**Summary of Text:**

Karnataka has experienced record-breaking pre-monsoon rainfall in 2025, resulting in 71 deaths, damage to property and crops, and prompting government compensation efforts. The India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal rainfall during the upcoming monsoon season, leading to the deployment of disaster response teams and heightened preparedness measures. Despite the challenges, the state’s reservoirs are at a higher capacity than last year.

Read More