Heavy rainfall has disrupted normal life in parts of Karnataka, forcing authorities to declare holidays for schools in three taluks as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for Schools in three Uttara Kannada taluks
Teachers shut down schools in three taluks and took vacations due to heavy downpours, waterlogging and flooding.
The affected taluks have been experiencing heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours, overflowing streams, flooded roads and difficult travel conditions. School districts closed schools based on weather forecasts that predicted more heavy rain throughout the day.
The IMD’s Orange Alert indicates heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely and the residents and local authorities must be prepared for possible disruption, they said. People in low-lying areas need to be warned and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rain, officials said.
Many roads connecting villages have been reported to have water built up, making traffic very slow down and making it hard for people to commute. Emergency response teams are on the ground in those areas to track and act in case evacuation is necessary and disaster management officials are on site in case of emergency.
Parents are advised to keep children indoors and avoid sending them out unless absolutely necessary. School administrators and parents have already communicated with the school about the holiday and further decision-making on when to reopen is dependent on weather.
The heavy rainfall has also affected agricultural activities in some locations. While farmers enjoy the monsoon season rainfall during monsoon season and farmers do not mind the rains but it can damage standing crops, delay harvesting and increase soil erosion. Agricultural authorities are monitoring the situation and assessing crop damage, they say.
The Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority has advised citizens to follow weather advisories and avoid crossing flooded roads, streams and bridges and stay clear of flooded roads, streams and bridges, it said.
Residents should also report any landslides, fallen trees or power outages to local authorities immediately, they said.
Experts say that widespread rainfall may continue to happen in coastal and interior Karnataka because of the active monsoon conditions. The IMD advises fishermen not to go in the sea in the rough weather.
The authorities are constantly reviewing the situation and have assured citizens that emergency services are fully prepared to respond to any weather-related incidents. People are advised to keep track of official weather updates and follow local administration directives.
With rain expected to continue over the next few days, officials have pleaded with residents to be cautious, especially in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas.
