Bengaluru: Karnataka is continuing to experience the effects of Cyclone Fengal, with heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions causing significant disruptions in normal life. As the storm intensifies, local authorities have been taking precautionary measures to safeguard public safety, including declaring holidays for schools and colleges in several districts across the state. The holiday announcements are a response to the ongoing rain, potential flooding, and the associated risks posed by the cyclone’s impact.
The India Meteorological Department has issued Red Alerts for Kodagu district and other parts of the state, including Yellow Alerts for districts like Ramanagara, Mandya, and Chamrajanagar, signaling the likelihood of continued rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms in the coming days. In response, the Karnataka government has announced a statewide closure of schools and colleges in areas expected to be hit hardest by the storm’s effects.
Kodagu District: Schools and Colleges Closed Due to Red Alert
Kodagu, one of the most affected regions in the state, has been placed under a Red Alert by the India Meteorological Department due to the expected heavy rainfall and thunderstorms resulting from Cyclone Fengal. Given the serious threat to residents’ safety, especially students, the district authorities have declared a holiday for all Anganwadis, schools, and colleges in Kodagu for December 3, 2024. Deputy commissioner A Venkata raja confirmed that the region will experience strong winds and torrential rain, with the possibility of thunderstorms, which have prompted the closure of educational institutions as a precautionary measure.
The decision comes after several instances of flooding and landslides in the region due to the ongoing rains. With the safety of children and students in mind, authorities have opted for this precautionary measure, while urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Dakshina Kannada: Holiday Declared Amid Continued Rain
In Dakshina Kannada, Cyclone Fengal’s effects are also being felt strongly. As rain continues to batter the region, district authorities have declared a holiday for schools, colleges, and Anganwadis tomorrow . The Orange Alert issued for the district suggests that the region is likely to face continued heavy rainfall and strong winds, with the cyclone expected to intensify over the coming days.
Deputy commissioner Mullai Mugilan confirmed the holiday order, emphasizing that the safety of children and staff in educational institutions is of utmost importance. The district is already experiencing significant waterlogging and disruption of normal services, prompting the authorities to close schools and colleges for the day. This step is being taken to minimize risks to students and local residents.
Kolar District: Schools and Colleges Closed Due to Health Concerns
Kolar, like many other districts, is facing heavy rain, which has not only caused traffic disruptions but also contributed to an intense cold front. The district health department recommended the closure of schools and colleges in Kolar as a health precaution due to the chilly and wet conditions, which can be particularly harsh for children.
As a result, Kolar deputy commissioner Akram Pasha has announced a holiday for all schools and colleges for December 3, 2024. This holiday will be made up for later by holding classes on an alternate day. The decision was made in consultation with health experts, who pointed out that the extreme cold and persistent rain could cause discomfort and health risks to students.
Ramanagara District: Schools Closed for the Day
In Ramanagara, the effects of Cyclone Fengal have led to the announcement of a holiday for all schools and colleges on December 3. The forecast for heavy rainfall and possible flooding in the district has prompted authorities to take precautionary measures. Deputy commissioner Yashwant Gurukar issued the order to suspend academic activities for the day, prioritizing the safety of students. With rain expected to continue, authorities have advised people to stay home and avoid unnecessary movement in the area.
Mysuru District: Holiday for Schools and Pre-University Colleges
Mysuru, one of the key tourist destinations in Karnataka, has been experiencing continuous rainfall, which has led to traffic disruptions and potential safety concerns. Given the ongoing weather conditions, Mysuru deputy commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy has declared a holiday for Anganwadis, schools, and pre-university colleges (up to 2nd PUC) for December 3, 2024. This measure is aimed at ensuring the safety of students as the region continues to witness heavy rain. Residents have been urged to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.
Chamrajanagar District: Schools Closed, College Exams Continue
In Chamrajanagar, heavy rainfall from Cyclone Fengal has led authorities to announce a holiday for schools on December 3. However, as exams are ongoing in degree colleges, no holiday has been declared for higher education institutions. Deputy commissioner Shilpa nag issued the order after assessing the weather conditions and the impact on school students. While schools will remain closed to prevent any untoward incidents, students attending exams in degree colleges are advised to travel with caution.
Chikkamagaluru District: Schools Closed, College Sessions Continue
Chikkamagaluru, known for its coffee plantations, has also been facing the brunt of the cyclone. Due to the heavy rainfall and strong winds affecting the region, schools (except for colleges) in the district will remain closed on December 3. Deputy commissioner Meena Nagaraj confirmed the closure, citing safety concerns due to flooding and the potential for landslides in certain areas of the district. Local residents are urged to stay indoors, and emergency services have been put on high alert to respond to any distress calls.
Udupi District: Holiday for Schools and Colleges
In Udupi, where heavy rain is expected to continue, authorities have issued a holiday for schools and colleges on December 3 as a precautionary measure. Deputy commissioner Dr Vidyakumari confirmed the closure, following an Orange Alert issued for the region. As the cyclone moves further inland, the district can expect heavy rain and stormy conditions. Residents are advised to remain indoors and heed safety warnings issued by local authorities.
Statewide Alerts and Ongoing Impact
The effects of Cyclone Fengal, which originated in the Bay of Bengal, have impacted many parts of the state, particularly in the southern interior regions, including Bengaluru. The cyclone has caused widespread disruptions in daily life, including traffic jams, waterlogging, and property damage. The heavy rain is forecast to continue for the next few days, prompting authorities to extend precautionary measures and issue weather alerts.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted that the rain will persist, with additional Yellow and Orange Alerts in place for other districts, including Hassan, Mandya, and Kodagu. Authorities are urging people to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines, as Cyclone Fengal continues to bring severe weather to Karnataka.
As a result, various local authorities have announced school and college holidays across the state to ensure public safety, particularly for students. These closures reflect the serious impact of the storm and the government’s commitment to protecting residents during these challenging weather conditions.
