Bengaluru: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) have issued an orange alert for the coastal districts of Karnataka from June 5 to June 11, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds across the region.
In response to the forecast, the District Disaster Management Authority has issued a series of precautionary guidelines, urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions.
Public advised to stay indoors during severe weather
Authorities have advised members of the public, including children and labourers, to avoid venturing outdoors during periods of heavy rain, strong winds and lightning.
People have been urged to remain indoors and seek shelter in safe and secure buildings whenever severe weather conditions prevail. Officials warned that strong winds and lightning could pose a threat to life and property if adequate precautions are not taken.
The advisory also emphasised the need for parents to ensure that children remain indoors during intense rainfall and thunderstorms.
Farmers cautioned against field activities
The Disaster Management Authority has specifically advised farmers not to undertake agricultural activities during periods of rain and lightning.
Officials noted that working in open fields during thunderstorms increases the risk of lightning strikes and other weather-related accidents. Farmers have been urged to monitor weather updates closely and plan their activities accordingly.
Agricultural workers have also been advised to seek safe shelter whenever weather conditions deteriorate.
Tourists and fishermen warned
Tourists, fishermen and members of the public have been cautioned against entering rivers, lakes, streams and other water bodies during the alert period.
Authorities have also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea as rough weather conditions and strong winds could create dangerous situations along the coastline.
The advisory highlighted the possibility of sudden increases in water levels and strong currents, making recreational and fishing activities hazardous.
Warning issued regarding trees and power lines
Residents have been urged to stay away from dangerous trees, electric poles and weakened structures during the period of the orange alert.
Officials warned that strong winds may cause branches to break or uproot trees, posing risks to pedestrians and vehicles. The public has also been advised to maintain a safe distance from snapped or damaged power lines and immediately report such incidents to the concerned authorities.
People have further been cautioned against standing near old and structurally weak buildings that may be vulnerable to damage during severe weather.
Landslide-prone areas placed on alert
The Disaster Management Authority has warned that heavy rainfall could trigger landslides in vulnerable locations across the coastal belt and adjoining hilly regions.
Residents living in landslide-prone areas have been asked to remain alert and monitor local advisories. If necessary, they have been advised to contact the Tahsildar’s office or Gram Panchayat office and move to designated relief centres.
Officials said emergency preparedness measures have been strengthened to ensure quick response in case of any weather-related incidents.
Emergency control rooms activated
To ensure effective disaster management during the alert period, district-level and taluk-level officials, along with designated nodal officers, have been directed to remain stationed at their headquarters.
The public can seek assistance or report emergencies through the toll-free helpline 1077. They may also contact the District Control Room at 0820-2574802 or reach out to the helpline numbers of their respective taluk headquarters.
Authorities have urged residents to follow official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall and cooperate with emergency services to ensure public safety.