Karnataka schools closed, holiday announced in Dakshina Kannada as IMD forecasts heavy rain

Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district administration has declared a holiday for anganwadis, schools and colleges in four taluks today (on August 8) after considering India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast of heavy rainfall in the region. All educational institutions in Puttur, Belthangady, Sullia and Kadaba taluks will observe holiday today. Schools affliated with CBSE, ICSE or state-board will remain closed today.

Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V ordered the closure of all anganwadi centres, government, aided and private primary and high schools, pre-university colleges, industrial training institutes (ITIs), diploma colleges and Class 12 classes. The order also covers residential educational institutions. It has been issued under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The holiday order comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff during the period of heavy rainfall.

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Amid the waterfall warning, the district administration has urged parents to ensure that children do not venture into waterlogged or low-lying areas. Residents must avoid rivers, streams and the seashore. PTI reports fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea due to potentially hazardous weather and sea conditions.

Officials at the taluk and village levels have been instructed to remain at their headquarters and ensure preparedness for emergency response. They have also been directed to maintain constant communication with the district control room. The departments concerned have been asked to activate taluk-level control rooms and remain on alert to respond to any rain-related emergencies.

Karnataka weather update

Coastal Karnataka has been experiencing widespread rainfall, with Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring Udupi continuing to receive heavy showers. The IMD has forecast further rainfall over the coastal region, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. A weather report earlier this week noted that the yellow alert in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi was expected to continue through August 9.

(With PTI inputs)