Bengaluru schools to remain closed tomorrow amid heavy rain warnings; precautionary measures enforced

Schools in the Bengaluru Urban district will close on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, due to forecasts of heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for the next two days, leading officials to take precautionary measures to protect students. "As a precautionary measure in the interest of students, all taluk Anganwadi centres, private/aided primary and high schools of Bengaluru City will be closed on Wednesday," stated the government order.

Currently, government schools are already on Dussehra holidays. The Bengaluru Urban District Commissioner emphasized that while schools are closed, there is no holiday for degree, post-graduate, and diploma colleges, engineering colleges, and ITIs. The Commissioner directed these institutions to ensure that students reach their venues safely. Additionally, the order specified that buildings in weak and dilapidated condition should not be used for conducting lectures.

With continuous rain since early Tuesday, normal life has been severely disrupted in Bengaluru. Several localities have reported waterlogging and traffic congestion, making it difficult for students and office-goers to navigate the city. The Commissioner noted that the closures are necessary to ensure the safety and health of children. “The heads of the educational institutions are directed to pay attention to the condition of the structures and ensure the safety of the staff and students,” he stated.

Colleges have been instructed to facilitate student safety, and parents are urged to ensure that children avoid waterlogged areas. The order also emphasizes that educational institutions should educate students about disaster management in light of the adverse weather conditions.

The BBMP has responded to the rain-related disruptions by establishing 24/7 control rooms across its eight zones and launched a helpline (1533) for citizens to report issues. Heavy rains have led to traffic congestion, particularly in areas like Varthur, Hebbal, and Kadubeesanahalli, which saw significant disruptions. Key tech hubs, including Manyata Tech Park on the Outer Ring Road and Sarjapur, also faced challenges due to the weather.

Furthermore, continuous rain has resulted in incidents such as fallen trees blocking roads, leading to temporary closures, including on Ashoka Pillar Road. According to the India Meteorological Department, a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has triggered the widespread rainfall.

Alongside the orange alert for Bengaluru, a yellow alert has been issued for surrounding districts, including Tumakuru, Mysuru, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kolar, Shivamogga, and Chikkaballapura, signaling worsening weather conditions that could disrupt daily life. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are focused on ensuring public safety as the weather evolves.