Bangalore Schools Holiday and Colleges May Shut Amid Yellow Alert, the thriving metropolis, is set for heavy rains on December 2 in the wake of severe weather conditions due to the overwhelming effects of Cyclone Fengal. This phenomenon has already wreaked havoc in the southern parts of India starting from Tamil Nadu, passed through Kerala and is now affecting Karnataka. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned yellow alert for Bengaluru as heavy rain is expected with increased cloud cover throughout the day and more neighboring areas are also under warning level orange for severe weather.
Cyclone Fengal: Introduction
Violent storm Cyclone Fengal hit the south of India’s coastline on November 30, peppeing winds and heavy torrential rains. Even though elevating sea level posed a threat forever, the flooding due to these natural phenomenon in Tamil Nadu coupled with the life that was lost are evidence to cyclone fengal making an impact. As cyclone fengal approached, measures were undertook to limit the cyclones impact, the IMD announced the cyclone was expected to die down within three hours. Tamil Nadu was deeply affected, everyone’s day to day life was disrupted. According to S. Balachandran, a significant rainfall of 46 cm was recorded in Puducherry, who is an additional director at India’s Met Office.
In Chennai, the situation was so dire that air traffic and operations were shut down as operations were disorderly and challenged planes operations around the airport area. This chain effect is now resonating in Karnataka, as it appears that in a short time, Bengaluru with the cyclone mellowing out will at some point in time arrive as the main target.
Weather Update for Bengaluru and Neighbouring Regions
As per IMD prediction, There are very high chances of heavy rainfall in Bengaluru on December 2, So it is likely that normal daily lives will be disrupted. Furthermore, orange alerts have been issued for Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan, Kodagu, and Shivamogga. Based on the projection, It is expected that there will be a gradual shift towards decreases intensity of rain with some afternoon sun after December 3, and the rest of the week would remain dry with little to rain.
People have needed to be careful especially considering the temperature will be between 18o C and 26o C. The Bengaluru city administration has ordered a cancellation of staff leaves to be prepared for emergencies and handle situations adequately and in a timely manner.
Chances of School and College Shutdowns
Although there has been no announcement at that level, the state government in Karnataka might decide to block access to schools and colleges across Bengaluru region to stop the teachers and students moving if the heavy rain is persistent. There was also similar decision taken in Chennai some time ago where such decision was implemented in regards to schools and safety due to floods. In other past situations like heavy rains this year, the government of the state government made the right choice of holding online classes and giving attention to children’s safety.
Injury and Disease Risks Caused by Bad Weather
Continuous rain and unfavorable temperatures have caused an increase of health-related risks amongst sensitive groups, practicing the mediclaim’s Kumar Ruparelia advice which is common in many people suffering from respiratory diseases. Such as Cough, cold and fever. Adding One more concerning trend where cold weather is worsening heart diseases have been cardiac related weather the concern is emphasised by numerous doctors. So it is highly advisable to maintain aide at home by drinking warm fluids and prevent being outside as it will only increase your chances of taking any risks whether physically or outside.
As per Lakech sharing knowledge this can be avoided but civilians must avoid flood prone water diseases and infections as even with high amounts of rainfall and flooding swelling this is still capable of growing within the population.
Action Steps in Bengaluru
Due to yellow warning being imposed Bengaluru administers have increased readiness in all circumstances. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) jointly requested citizens to steer clear of waterlogged areas and also closely monitor reports by agencies during such times. Other than that disaster management cell is already deployed for situations such as flooding, traffic jamming or damage to any of the property.
Some of the basic survival measures for the locals are listed below:
Refraining to move unless necessary during major rainfall.
Exercising proper drainage systems within the local residential apartments to avoid waste from gathering.
Keeping some measures for emergency and contact information very close.
Southern India’s Climatic Shift: A Call to Attention
The anomalous patterns observed due to Cyclone Fengal point out the inherent risk faced by southern India from scaling climatic phenomena. The coastal areas are at the receiving end of severe cyclones along with untapped levels of rain, leading to better infrastructure, forecasting, and management measures being the immediate requirement.
Bengaluru, the city of a never ending summer, is now feeling the effects of Cities with their poor drainage systems, which did not cope well with this event. Such occurrences make the case for new age climate resilient cities all the more necessary.
The Vision Ahead
This is another case of the weather being extreme in Bengaluru and so it will again boil down to how citizens and authorities deal with the whole situation during and after the extreme weather event. It is likely that rains will die out later this week but the way Bengaluru has reacted to Cyclone Fengal is testimony to the ever changing nature of weather and the realisation that cocoons do not work anymore.
Follow up the IMD communication to deal effectively with this weather event.