Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 7: Following a heavy rainfall warning and the declaration of a Red Alert across the district by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), the Dakshina Kannada district disaster management authority has initiated stringent emergency precautionary measures.

As part of these measures, the district administration has declared a holiday on Wednesday, July 8, for all anganwadi centres, government, aided, and private primary and high schools, residential schools, as well as pre-university colleges (up to Class 12) across Dakshina Kannada. The administration has warned that any institution violating this order will face legal action under Section 51(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

The deputy commissioner and district magistrate's office, operating from "Praja Soudha" in Padil, has issued a detailed advisory to ensure public safety:

• Advisory for parents: Parents must ensure that children do not venture into low-lying waterlogged areas, lakes, riverbanks, or beaches.

• Ban on fishing: Fishermen have been strictly instructed not to venture into the sea.

• Restrictions on tourists: Tourists and the general public are strictly prohibited from visiting riverbanks and beaches.

• Official presence: All district and taluk-level officials must compulsorily remain at their respective headquarters to attend to disaster management duties without fail. They must respond to public grievances immediately and stay in constant touch with the deputy commissioner's office control room.

• Care centres: Concerned department officials have been directed to set up care centres in every taluk and keep them in a state of readiness to handle emergencies.

The district administration has also set up emergency helplines. The public can contact the toll-free number 1077 or 0824-2442590 to report any issues related to natural calamities.