Belagavi, 17 June

The India Metrological Department (IMD) predicted heavy rains and announced red alert in five districts of the State. Educational institutions in coastal districts Udupi and Uttara Kannada were shut on Tuesday. It was the fifth consecutive closure of schools in these districts.

IMD on Monday had said that heavy rains would lash Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts and declared orange alert in Kodagu, Hassan, Bagalkot and Belagavi and yellow alert to Dharwad, Haveri and Mysuru districts on Tuesday.

By declaring orange alert to all the three coastal districts, Malnad regions and Mysuru for Wednesday, the IMD hinted that the downpour would weaken. The IMD also declared yellow alert to all the three coastal districts on Thursday.

Based on the directions of Udupi Deputy Commissioner K Vidyakumari, the district education department declared holiday up to PU classes, including the diploma courses. However, the classes of upper grade including engineer courses would run as usual. "The holiday was not be applicable for the 2nd PU-3 examination held on Tuesday," DC Vidyakumari said.

Similarly, Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya, in her notification on Monday evening, declared holiday for the schools up to Class 10 and Anganwadis in Kumata, Karwar, Ankola, Honnavar, Sirshi, Siddapur and Yallapur taluks.

With the Krishna river swelling with the inflow from south Maharashtra, 12 villages in Chikkodi and Athani taluks in Belagavi district lost connectivity with other places as six bridges flowing over with the inflow to river. However, some alternative routes remained opened.

Officials said that Belagavi received 54,000 cusecs of water till 8am, Tuesday through the Krishna river.