Over 70 dead as highest pre-monsoon rains in 125 years hit Karnataka, India
Karnataka saw the highest pre-monsoon rainfall in 125 years during May 2025, with 219 mm (8.62 inches) of rain–nearly three times the monthly average–causing widespread damage and the loss of 71 lives, according to the state government.
Floods in Bangalore on May 19, 2025. Credit: Vishnu Vardhan Reddy
Karnataka has recorded its highest pre-monsoon rainfall in 125 years in May 2025, with 219 mm (8.62 inches) of rain–an astonishing 197% above the monthly average of 74 mm (2.91 inches), according to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
In a statement issued on Saturday, the CMO said the total rainfall from March 1 to May 31–considered the pre-monsoon period–was 286 mm (11.26 inches), which is 149% higher than the seasonal average of 115 mm (4.53 inches).
The heavy rainfall has taken a significant toll on lives and property across the state. At least 71 people have lost their lives due to rain-related incidents since April. 48 deaths were caused by lightning, nine by falling trees, five due to house collapses, four by drowning, four in landslides, and one due to electrocution.
Localised flood in Mangaluru after the Forenoon Deluge.
— Namma Karnataka Weather (@namma_vjy) May 25, 2025
Credits to Yogesh Bhat #KarnatakaRains #TulunaduRains pic.twitter.com/8eUBmU2EhK
Emergency compensation of INR 500 000 (approximately USD 5 840) has been disbursed to the families of the deceased.
The rainfall also caused widespread damage to housing and agriculture. A total of 2 068 houses were affected, with compensation already provided for 1 926 cases, including 75 fully damaged and 1 851 partially damaged homes.
Nethravathi River at Dharmasthala, almost every river in South Karnataka Ghats flooding today.#KarnatakaRains
— Naveen Reddy (@navin_ankampali) May 26, 2025
Video – Akash Shetty pic.twitter.com/FtBtgtukbz
In addition, 702 animals perished due to the extreme weather; compensation has been issued in 698 cases so far.
Over 15 000 ha (37 066 acres) of crops have been damaged. This includes approximately 12 000 ha (29 650 acres) of agricultural crops and 3 500 ha (8 650 acres) of horticultural crops.
Localised flood in Mangaluru after the Forenoon Deluge.
— Namma Karnataka Weather (@namma_vjy) May 25, 2025
Credits to Yogesh Bhat #KarnatakaRains #TulunaduRains pic.twitter.com/8eUBmU2EhK
Five teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been stationed in the state. Four of whom have been deployed to Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts. A fifth team is stationed in Bengaluru.
Additionally, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire services, and other emergency teams remain on standby.
Severe flooding hits Ullal taluk, #Mangalore after continuous heavy rains overnight. In Belma (Kanakare), a compound wall collapse killed a young girl. In Kodi (near Montepadavu), a landslide claimed the life of a woman. #Ullal #KarnatakaFloods #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/C8IN5i5Amu
— Headline Karnataka (@hknewsonline) May 30, 2025
According to the revised Southwest Monsoon forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on May 27, Karnataka is likely to receive above-normal rainfall during the 2025 Southwest Monsoon season (June to September).
Most districts are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in June, with the exception of a few in the southern interior.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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