Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 22: In the wake of continuous heavy rainfall and a yellow alert issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), the Dakshina Kannada district administration has declared a holiday for all educational institutions up to the pre-university (PU) level on Thursday, July 23.

According to an official order issued by the deputy commissioner and district magistrate of Dakshina Kannada on Wednesday, the holiday applies to all anganwadi centres, government, aided, and private primary and high schools, residential schools, PU colleges, and PU residential colleges (up to 12th standard) across the district. The deputy commissioner strictly warned that any violation of this order would invite legal action under Section 51(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

As a precautionary measure, the district disaster management authority has issued several mandatory guidelines. Parents have been advised to ensure that their children do not go near low-lying waterlogged areas, lakes, riverbanks, and beaches. Tourists and the general public have also been strictly warned against visiting riverbanks and coastal areas. Additionally, fishermen have been instructed not to venture into the sea.

District and taluk-level officials have been directed to compulsorily remain at their headquarters and execute disaster management duties without fail. They have been instructed to respond immediately to public complaints and stay in continuous contact with the control room at the deputy commissioner's office. Furthermore, officials of the concerned departments have been ordered to open care centres in every taluk and keep them in a state of readiness.

For any emergencies or issues related to natural disasters, the public can contact the toll-free helpline number 1077 or the control room at 0824-2442590.