Bhatkal: The monsoon season has officially commenced in Bhatkal, as indicated by the presence of cloudy skies and light rain throughout Friday. However, the town experienced an intense downpour for approximately one hour, starting around 8:30 pm and lasting until 9:30 pm. This relentless rainfall resulted in a significant accumulation of water on Shamsuddin Circle, causing considerable inconvenience for bikers who were navigating through the area. Fortunately, a scooter narrowly avoided falling into a rain gutter, thanks to the prompt assistance provided by a vigilant local shopkeeper.

 The situation around the circle has been further compounded by two factors. Firstly, the ongoing extension work of the National Highway has left the area devoid of proper lighting. Secondly, pedestrians have been facing challenges crossing the road, while motorists find it difficult to navigate due to the overall darkness in the vicinity.

During the rain, Shamsuddin Circle transformed into a waterlogged area, posing difficulties for both pedestrians and riders in distinguishing between the road and the drain. Thankfully, the shopkeeper promptly intervened upon witnessing the scooter's perilous situation, preventing a potentially fatal accident.

Residents have pointed out that the taluk administration and town municipality are well aware of the recurring issue of water accumulation around the circle. However, despite this awareness, the drains were not adequately cleaned, obstructing the outflow of water. Consequently, a substantial amount of water accumulated on Shamsuddin Circle from Sagar Road. The incident has raised concerns among the public regarding the forthcoming heavy rains and the potential repercussions, considering that the current situation occurred after just one hour of rain during the monsoon's initial phase.