Bengaluru and its surrounding regions have been grappling with heavy rainfall due to the effects of Cyclone Fengal, resulting in widespread weather disturbances. This has led to several districts in Karnataka declaring school holidays, while Bengaluru parents eagerly await updates on potential school closures in the city.

Cyclone Fengal’s Impact on Karnataka

Cyclone Fengal, a weather disturbance that originated in the Bay of Bengal, has been causing havoc in parts of southern India. After bringing heavy rain to Chennai, the effects of the cyclone have now reached Karnataka, including Bengaluru. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru, predicting heavy rainfall over the next three days.
Schools Closed in Dakshin Kannada and Udupi Districts

As of December 3, 2024, the Dakshin Kannada and Udupi districts have ordered the schools and colleges shut down. This encompasses all classes right up to the pre-university or PU level. The closure was due to the incessant rain and concern for the students and staff about their safety. Similarly, Kolar and Chikkaballapur district schools have been shut on Monday. 

Yet there is no declaration concerning Bangalore schools, leaving the status of classes uncertain to the students and parents in the city.

Rainfall Pattern in Bangalore

The rainfall in Bengaluru has been varied across different parts of the city. While most areas have experienced steady drizzles, some regions have reported bouts of heavy rainfall. Localized waterlogging has been observed, especially in low-lying areas, adding to the challenges faced by residents.

IMD Scientist Rajavel Manickam said the city’s weather will remain wet for the next few days with Cyclone Fengal moving westwards, which may reach the Arabian Sea. He further added that temperatures would become normal winter temperatures after a week when the effects of the cyclone subside.

Parents Demand School Closures

The prolonged rainfall and inclement weather have been causing anxiety among parents in Bengaluru. As the IMD has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in some parts of the city, many parents have been frustrated over the delay in declaring school holidays.

Parents on Monday awaited updates on school closure but no official declaration was done for Bengaluru. The nearby districts of Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Mandya, Hassan, and Chikkamagaluru had schools which opened since there was only moderate rainfall in these districts too. This has resulted in a demand for taking the right measures in keeping the students of Bengaluru safe.

Bengaluru Weather Update for the Next Few Days

IMD predicts that between 35mm and 85mm of rainfall is likely to occur in Bengaluru and its surrounding districts, which include Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Ramanagara, Mandya, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Udupi, over the next 48 hours. The yellow alert for Bengaluru means that the city needs to prepare for continued wet conditions, with some areas likely to experience heavy downpours.

Cyclone Fengal has also affected Kerala, where similar patterns of rainfall have been reported. The widespread effect of the cyclone underlines the need for coordinated responses to weather-related challenges across southern India.

Will Schools in Bengaluru Be Closed Tomorrow?

Despite the heavy rainfall, there has been no word on whether schools in Bengaluru would remain closed on December 4, 2024. This has left both parents and students uncertain about the plans for the day ahead.

Many parents argue that the authorities should make prior announcements of closure, especially considering the unpredictability of the rainfall. They refer to other districts where the authorities have made proactive measures to protect students from potential hazards.

Localized Challenges in Bengaluru

In addition to the rainfall, localized issues such as waterlogging and traffic disruptions have added their own challenges to residents’ lives. Water accumulation reports in various parts of the city point out the requirement of better drainage systems and infrastructure in handling extreme weather conditions.

The current situation also emphasizes the need for clear communication from authorities. Updates on school closures, traffic advisories, and weather forecasts can help residents better navigate the challenges posed by such weather disturbances.

Expert Advice on Safety During Rainy Weather

Experts advise citizens to be vigilant and cautious during heavy periods of rainfall. Parents are reminded to prepare their children with umbrellas and waterproof clothing while stepping out into the wet conditions. Schools are advised to have contingency plans ready to handle emergencies that arise in case of weather disruptions.

For drivers, avoiding waterlogged areas and reducing their speed will help avoid accidents. Pedestrians should also be careful while walking on slippery sidewalks and crossing roads where visibility is poor.

Conclusion

With the rain showing no signs of letting up in the next few days, the closure of schools has become an urgent issue for parents, students, and teachers. While districts like Dakshin Kannada and Udupi have declared closure, the absence of any official statement in Bengaluru has left many people in limbo.

The current weather situation requires robust planning and timely communication to address the challenges of extreme weather events. With Cyclone Fengal expected to persist for several more days, residents are urged to stay informed and prioritize safety above all else.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on Bengaluru school holidays and weather forecasts.