Orange alert issued for coastal districts till Jun 11

Bengaluru, Jun 5: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, Bengaluru, have forecast an orange alert for the coastal region of Karnataka for one week, from June 5 to 11.

In view of the possibility of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in the district, the District Disaster Management Authority has issued precautionary guidelines for the public.

The authority has advised members of the public, children and labourers to avoid venturing outdoors during heavy rain, strong winds and lightning and to take shelter in safe buildings. Farmers have been urged not to engage in agricultural activities during rain and lightning. The public, tourists and fishermen have also been cautioned against entering rivers, water bodies and the sea during the alert period.

Children and the general public have been advised to stay away from dangerous trees and electric poles and to maintain a safe distance from snapped power lines. People have also been warned against standing near or under old and weakened buildings and trees, as strong winds may pose a risk to life and property.

The advisory further stated that heavy rainfall could trigger landslides in certain areas. Residents of vulnerable locations have been urged to remain vigilant and, if necessary, contact the tahsildar's office or the gram panchayat office and shift to the nearest relief centres.

For further information, the public may contact the Disaster Management Control Room or the respective Taluk Tahsildar offices by telephone. District- and taluk-level officials, as well as nodal officers, have been directed to remain stationed at their headquarters during the alert period.

In case of emergencies, the public may contact the toll-free helpline 1077, the District Control Room at 0820-2574802, or the helpline numbers of the respective taluk headquarters, the release stated.