Heavy monsoon showers continue to lash several parts of Karnataka and the district administration has declared a holiday for primary schools and anganwadi centres in Koppa and Sringeri taluks, Balehonnur hobli. The precautionary step was taken as there is continued rainfall and the possibility of more bad weather conditions that could be harmful for students, teachers and citizens.
The decision came after continuous rains have disrupted daily life in some parts of the Malnad region. The holiday has been declared to protect young children to be able to get to the school as they may face difficulties with the heavy rain and the commute to educational institutions in the rainy days and from the city districts where school students should be able to travel, parents have been advised to keep kids indoors unless very necessary and avoid unnecessary travel.
Karnataka’s Western Ghats region and Chikkamagaluru district has been experiencing heavy rainfall since the southwest monsoon has been active and heavy rains have led to overflowing streams, waterlogged roads, slippery hill links and rising water levels in rivers and reservoirs. The weather forecasts indicate that rainfall is going to continue over the next few days.
District authorities have also instructed officials from the education department, revenue department and local administration to watch the situation closely. They have also told disaster management teams to respond quickly to any emergency caused by heavy rain (flooding, fallen trees, landslides).
Koppa, Sringeri, and Balehonnur are the places with the highest rainfall in the state and are home to thousands of tourists each year due to their lush green landscapes and waterfalls, temples and coffee plantations. But during the monsoon season the rain is a blessing in itself and causes landslides, road obstruction and road congestion. Residents and visitors are thus advised to be watchful during the current heavy rains.
The holiday declaration covers primary schools and anganwadi centres which allow authorities to focus on younger children who are more vulnerable to weather-related issues. Higher educational institutions can go on unless separate orders are issued by the district administration.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is monitoring the weather conditions around Karnataka and has warned of moderate to heavy rainfall in some districts. Residents living in low-lying areas, near rivers, or close to hilly slopes are urged to be alert and report any flooding or landslides immediately to local authorities. Emergency helplines have been put in place to help if needed.
Civic agencies have intensified efforts to clear drainage systems, remove fallen branches and keep roads open. Public Works Department officials are checking vulnerable bridges and roads to minimize disruptions to transportation. Electricity supply teams have also been on standby to restore power quickly in case of strong winds or falling trees.
The rain also helps farmers in the region who depend on the region’s main crops, such as paddy, coffee, arecanut, pepper, and other plantation crops to feed the local economy. However, agricultural experts have cautioned that prolonged heavy rain can damage standing crops, increase the risk of fungal diseases, and delay harvesting activities. Farmers have been advised to follow guidance issued by the agriculture department to protect their crops from excessive moisture.
Health officials have also warned people to be wary of contaminated water, maintain hygiene, and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases during the rainy season. Residents are required to avoid crossing flooded roads or streams and stay away from unstable slopes where landslides may occur.
Tourists planning to visit the Malnad region should check the latest weather updates before travelling and cooperate with local authorities if travel restrictions are imposed in vulnerable areas.
Tunga River at Sringeri this evening.
— Naveen Reddy (@navin_ankampali) July 31, 2026
Heavy to very heavy rain 🌧️ recorded in Kudremukh, Kerekatte, Kigga, Nemmar and Sringeri town till now.
Sringeri 114 mm
Kigga 109 mm
Nemmar 89 mm, Kerekatte and Kudremukh must have received around 140 to 150 mm. pic.twitter.com/z0CP3K7tU4
As the southwest monsoon continues to take place in Karnataka, the district administration will continue to monitor the weather situation and issue new advisories as necessary. It will be dependent on rainfall intensity and official forecasts in the coming days on the weather and public safety measures regarding educational institutions.
The holiday announcement is an indication of the government’s precautionary attitude towards students’ protection and public safety in the next phase of intense monsoon rainfall in Karnataka.
