Karnataka Rains: School Shut In 6 Districts, Bengaluru Opts Out Despite IMD's Yellow Alert

Cyclone Fengal has unleashed heavy rains across southern Karnataka including Bengaluru, leading authorities to declare holidays for schools and colleges in multiple districts. However, Bengaluru remains unaffected by these closures, despite a yellow alert in the region.

In districts such as Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, Udupi, Mysuru, and Chikkaballapur, District Collectors announced a holiday for schools and colleges on Tuesday. In Chamarajanagar, only degree colleges conducting examinations will remain open. Similarly, Chikkamagaluru has granted holidays to primary and high schools, as well as Anganwadis.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Urban's Deputy Commissioner clarified that schools and colleges in the city will function as usual, even with a weather alert in place, as reported by Public TV.

Parents in Bengaluru took to social media to express concerns about the decision to keep schools open amid heavy rains. One worried parent posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Please declare a holiday in Bengaluru schools. With such heavy rains and flooded roads, is it safe for kids to travel?" Another wrote, "Rain continues to pour in Bengaluru, raising concerns for students' safety. Will the government declare a holiday for schools and colleges tomorrow?"

IMD Issues Alerts for Karnataka Districts

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued the following alerts for Karnataka:
The weather agency issued red alert for Kodagu while orange alert for Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Ramanagara
Yellow alert for Mandya, Hassan, and Bengaluru.

According to the IMD, Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka are expected to receive rainfall over the next two days due to Cyclone Fengal. Residents have been advised to avoid low-lying areas, waterlogged zones, riverbanks, and beaches.

The remnants of the cyclone's low-pressure system are likely to re-emerge over the southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea off the coasts of northern Kerala and Karnataka by December 3.

For emergencies, residents can contact helpline numbers 1077 or 0824-2442590.