Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 2: With rainfall continuing across Dakshina Kannada and more showers forecast in the coming days, the district administration has declared a holiday for educational institutions across several taluks on Monday, August 3 as a precautionary measure.
The decision was taken based on weather forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), Bengaluru, which indicated that the prevailing weather conditions are expected to continue.
As part of the precautionary measures, the Dakshina Kannada District Disaster Management Authority has issued directions to ensure public safety during the ongoing rainy conditions. The administration has warned that the holiday order must be strictly followed, and institutions found violating the directive will face legal action under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
In the Mangaluru sub-division, covering the taluks of Mangaluru, Bantwal, Moodbidri, Mulki and Ullal, a holiday has been declared for all anganwadi centres and government, aided and private primary and high schools up to Class 10, including all residential schools.
In the Puttur sub-division, comprising Puttur, Belthangady, Sullia and Kadaba taluks, the holiday applies to all anganwadi centres, government, aided and private primary and high schools, pre-university colleges and educational institutions up to Class 12, including all residential schools and colleges.
Parents have been advised to ensure that children do not venture into water-filled low-lying areas, ponds, lakes, riverbanks or the seashore, where rising water levels could pose a risk.
Fishermen have been instructed not to venture into the sea until further notice due to the prevailing weather conditions.
District and taluk-level officials have been directed to remain at their headquarters, ensure effective disaster management, respond promptly to public grievances and maintain constant communication with the District Commissioner's control room.
Tourists and members of the public have also been advised not to visit riverbanks, beaches or coastal areas as a safety precaution.
Officials of all concerned departments have been instructed to open care centres in every taluk and keep them in a state of readiness to deal with any emergency arising from rain-related incidents.
For assistance related to natural disasters, the public may contact the District Disaster Management Authority control room on the toll-free number 1077 or 0824-2442590.
Fake message on school holiday circulates; DC warns of strict action
A fake message claiming that a holiday has been declared for schools and second PU colleges on Monday, August 3, owing to heavy rain is being widely circulated on social media in the name of the Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner.
Taking serious note of the issue, Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Darshan H V has warned of stringent action against miscreants spreading fake orders and creating confusion among the public regarding disasters or holidays.
The deputy commissioner cautioned that under Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, anyone found guilty of making or circulating false alarms or warnings regarding a disaster or its severity, thereby leading to panic, will be liable for punishment with imprisonment which may extend up to one year, or a fine.