Bengaluru Schools Closed Again on October 23 Due to Heavy Rainfall: Colleges to Remain Open

Bengaluru is facing another wave of disruptions as schools will remain closed on October 23 due to continuous and heavy rainfall. This marks the third time in just a week that schools in the city have been shut down, while colleges are set to remain open despite the severe weather conditions. The announcement was made by Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner Jagadish G, who shared an official circular on social media, citing safety concerns amid the ongoing downpours.

Persistent Rainfall Forces School Closures

Bengaluru has been dealing with incessant rainfall for the past several days, resulting in widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and safety hazards. The city’s authorities have taken the precautionary measure of closing schools to ensure the safety of students and staff. This decision, which applies to Wednesday, October 23, is part of the ongoing efforts to manage the challenges posed by the relentless weather.

Despite the closure of schools, colleges will continue their operations as scheduled. Many parents, however, have voiced concerns about the inconsistent communication regarding school closures, particularly when decisions have been made at the last minute, leaving families scrambling to make arrangements.

Recurring Flooding and Transportation Issues

The heavy rains have caused significant flooding across various parts of Bengaluru, making transportation extremely difficult. Recently, several school buses were stranded on waterlogged roads, forcing local authorities to rescue children using tractors in some areas. This further emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, as even routine commutes have become dangerous due to the flooding.

Social media has been flooded with posts from parents expressing frustration over the timing of school closure announcements. Some parents noted that the most recent closure notice was shared so late that many children had already been picked up by school vans, causing confusion and anxiety for both parents and students.

Severe Weather Disrupts Daily Life in Bengaluru

The unrelenting rainfall has not only led to school closures but has also severely disrupted daily life for Bengaluru residents. Traffic snarls have become commonplace, with many major roads becoming impassable due to waterlogged streets and obstructed pathways. Commuters are facing long delays, and in some cases, vehicles have become stuck in the floodwaters, further compounding the traffic woes.

Several areas of the city, particularly low-lying neighborhoods, have been hit hard by waterlogging and flooding. Uprooted trees have blocked roads and damaged property, creating additional challenges for residents and local authorities. Homes in low-lying areas have been flooded, raising safety concerns and causing property damage. Families in these affected regions are grappling with the aftermath of the rain, and many are worried about further damage if the rain continues.

Local Authorities Struggle to Manage the Situation

Despite efforts by local authorities to address the flooding, clogged drains, and waterlogged roads, the sheer volume of rainfall has made it difficult to keep up. Teams have been deployed across the city to clear blocked drains and remove fallen trees, but the rain has continued to outpace these efforts, causing ongoing disruptions.

The Bengaluru administration is working round the clock to restore normalcy, but with weather forecasts predicting more rain, residents are bracing for further challenges. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) has been closely monitoring the situation and issuing updates on the weather conditions, urging residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas.

Safety Precautions and Advice for Residents

In light of the severe weather, the Bengaluru Traffic Police and other local authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions, especially when traveling through waterlogged areas. Motorists have been urged to avoid roads known for heavy flooding, and pedestrians are advised to stay away from areas where there is a risk of water pooling.

Parents are encouraged to keep an eye on official announcements from the school authorities and the Deputy Commissioner’s office to stay informed about potential further closures or changes to the schedule. It is important for families to have backup plans in place, given the unpredictability of the weather and the possibility of last-minute decisions regarding school operations.

Outlook for the Coming Days

With the rain showing no signs of letting up, the next few days could bring additional challenges for Bengaluru residents. The ongoing closure of schools and the disruptions in daily life have left many people hoping for a respite from the heavy rainfall. However, weather forecasts suggest that more rain is on the horizon, and the city may continue to face flooding and traffic issues as a result.

Local authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and to avoid areas that are prone to flooding. Those living in low-lying areas are advised to take extra precautions to safeguard their homes and belongings from potential water damage. Emergency services are on high alert, ready to respond to any incidents arising from the severe weather conditions.

In conclusion, Bengaluru’s third school closure in a week highlights the severity of the weather conditions the city is grappling with. As the rain continues to fall, residents are being urged to prioritize safety, stay informed, and make necessary preparations for any further disruptions that may occur due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.