The southwest monsoon has intensified across Karnataka and heavy to very heavy rainfall in some coastal and Malnad districts. Due to the worsening weather conditions and the safety of students, district administrations in Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Belagavi and parts of Shivamogga have declared a holiday for educational institutions on Wednesday, July 8.
The decision came after torrential downpours and weather warnings issued by meteorological authorities and the threat of waterlogging, landslides and flooding in vulnerable areas.
Dakshina Kannada Calls Holiday In Response to Red Alert
Dakshina Kannada district administration has announced a holiday for all educational institutions after a Red Alert was issued in the region. Anganwadi centres, government schools, aided schools, private primary and secondary schools, residential schools, pre-university (PU) colleges and other schools will be affected on this holiday.
The closure is mandatory and is to keep students and staff safe from any potential rain-related risks, officials said. District administration said it will also take legal action against any institution violating the order and continuing classes in the absence of the official order. Such violations would likely be in breach of Section 51(b) of the Disaster Management Act 2005.
Kodagu Under Orange Alert
In Kodagu district, where rainfall has been steadily increasing over the past few days, the administration has declared a holiday for all Anganwadi centers, primary schools and high schools on July 8.
District officials cited the Orange Alert issued for the area and the threat of more heavy rainfall as the primary reasons for the precautionary action. That order was made public by the district administration to ensure the safety of children and school staff.
Holiday for Selected Taluks in Belagavi
Belagavi district also has experienced high rainfall and authorities have declared a holiday in three taluks -- Nippani, Khanapur and Belagavi.
Anganwadi centres and schools in those taluks will remain closed on Wednesday. The move is a precautionary one because of the heavy rainfall and the possibility of weather-related disruptions, they said.
Schools and Colleges closed in Sagar Taluk of Shivamogga
In Shivamogga district, continuous rainfall has affected several areas, especially Sagar taluk. As a precautionary measure, the Sagar Tahsildar has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in the taluk on July 8.
The administration said they put in place the program in order to avoid heavy rain, but also to avoid roads that were flooded and unsafe travel conditions for students.
Authorities Issue Safety Advisory
District administrations also warned residents to be alert during the monsoon season. Students, parents and the general public should avoid rivers, streams, waterfalls and other water bodies that could be dangerous due to high water levels.
The public is advised to follow all safety measures and keep up with weather alerts from local authorities. Emergency teams have been put in high alert in the affected areas, and Karnataka is in a state of intense monsoon activity.
More rainfall is expected in the future but the authorities are monitoring the situation closely and may issue advisories based on weather conditions.
