Bhatkal: A brief spell of rain on Saturday evening exposed drainage concerns along the ongoing National Highway-66 four-laning works in Bhatkal, with waterlogging reported at Shamsuddin Circle, Ranginkatta and other stretches along the highway.

The nearly 30-minute pre-monsoon shower brought relief from the intense heat, but several roadside stretches turned muddy, causing inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists.
Similar conditions were reported during the season’s first rainfall on Thursday, raising public concern over the area’s preparedness ahead of the monsoon.

Residents said drainage arrangements along the highway stretch remain inadequate and warned that heavy monsoon rains could lead to severe waterlogging in nearby commercial and residential areas if corrective measures are not taken immediately.

Power outages were also reported in several localities following the rain. Residents remarked that in Bhatkal, power cuts are increasingly becoming a routine affair — whether it rains or not.