Schools in Bengaluru Closed Due to Heavy Rains, Safety Measures Implemented for Colleges
In response to the heavy rainfall battering Bengaluru, the District Collector has declared a holiday for all Anganwadis and schools in the city on Monday, October 21. The decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students. However, higher education institutions, including degree programs, postgraduate courses, diplomas, engineering colleges, and ITIs, will remain operational. Special Instructions for Colleges While colleges continue to hold classes, authorities have issued specific guidelines to ensure safety amid the downpour. College heads have been instructed to avoid conducting lectures in weak or dilapidated buildings, prioritizing the structural integrity of campuses. They are advised to inspect the condition of their buildings and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents. Making Up for Lost Learning Time To compensate for the lost instructional time caused by school closures, the District Collector has directed schools to hold extra classes on Saturday afternoons or Sundays. This ensures that students can catch up without falling behind in their studies. Safety Precautions for Students Parents and college administrators have been urged to ensure that students avoid waterlogged areas and low-lying regions, as these areas are prone to flooding. Additionally, the safety of vehicles used by students to travel to and from colleges must be ensured. The authorities have also recommended that colleges provide students with information on how to deal with natural calamities. Weather Forecast and Alerts The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued rainfall for Bengaluru over the next two days, with a generally cloudy sky, moderate rain, and occasional heavy thundershowers. The temperature is expected to remain between 20°C and 26°C. A yellow alert has been issued for 11 districts across Karnataka, including Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Belagavi, Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kodagu, Chitradurga, Davangere, and Tumakuru, due to the forecast of heavy rainfall until October 21. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as they take steps to mitigate the impact of the weather on residents and educational institutions. Source: Hindustan Times
