Schools shut in Dakshina Kannada on August 18; red alert issued

DCs in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu have declared holidays for schools and colleges, while fishermen and tourists have been told to stay away from sea and riverbanks.

Mangaluru: With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounding a red alert, the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV has declared a holiday for all anganwadi centres, primary and high schools on Monday.

In Udupi, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa has announced a holiday for schools, pre-university colleges and ITIs.

The Chikkamagaluru district administration has ordered closure of schools and anganwadi centres in five taluks — Mudigere, Kalasa, Koppa, Sringeri and Narasimharajapura — as well as five hoblis in Chikkamagaluru taluk. The Kodagu DC has also declared a holiday for schools.

As rough sea conditions are expected, fishermen have been strictly advised against venturing out for deep-sea fishing. Tourists and locals have also been cautioned not to go near seashores or riverbanks.

The IMD has issued a red alert for August 19 and an orange alert for August 20 and 21 in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.