By News Karnataka Editorial Team

Copyright newskarnataka

KALABURAGI: In response to continuous heavy rainfall and an orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Department of School Education in Kalaburagi has declared holidays for all schools in the district on Saturday and Sunday. The precautionary step aims to safeguard children as the district grapples with rising water levels and flood-like conditions.

Schools shut as precautionary measure

The Information and Public Relations Department, Kalaburagi, confirmed that the Deputy Director (Administration) of the School Education Department announced the closure for September 27 and 28. With several areas reporting waterlogging and overflowing streams, officials stressed that student safety was the foremost concern behind the decision.

Minister Priyank Kharge inspects rain-hit areas

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) and Kalaburagi district in-charge, Priyank Kharge, personally visited affected villages to assess the situation. Interacting with locals, he acknowledged that untimely rains had severely damaged standing crops, leaving farmers distressed.

Kharge assured that a government survey is underway to assess crop loss, following which farmers would be compensated. “The government is with the farmers. Even if crops are lost, there is no need to lose hope. A joint survey is already underway, and relief measures will follow after the final report,” he said.

He added that Kalaburagi, usually part of the Deccan plateau, had been receiving rainfall akin to Karnataka’s Malenadu region, causing rivers such as the Bhima to swell dangerously and flood adjacent villages.

Bhima River overflows, flood centres opened

The overflowing Bhima River has led to a flood situation in several parts of Kalaburagi. To accommodate displaced families, authorities have set up care centres for those whose homes, belongings, and agricultural land were damaged.

Kharge said the government had opened 36 relief centres, where more than 1,500 people are being provided shelter and freshly cooked meals. Along with residents, arrangements have also been made to safeguard livestock in affected villages.

SDRF deployed to assist evacuations

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed across vulnerable areas to shift families to safer ground. Officials confirmed that 36 villages across Kalaburagi district have been severely impacted by incessant rain and overflowing rivers in both Karnataka and neighbouring Maharashtra.

“Our first priority is the safety of the people,” Kharge emphasised, adding that all available government machinery had been mobilised to handle emergencies. Volunteers and local officials are working alongside the district administration to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation.

Government promises long-term support

While immediate measures are focused on saving lives and preventing further damage, the state government has assured residents that long-term rehabilitation plans are also being considered. Relief packages will address not only crop losses but also damages to property and public infrastructure.

In conclusion, Kalaburagi district remains under an orange alert, with officials urging residents to exercise caution and avoid venturing into waterlogged areas. The combined efforts of the administration, SDRF, and community volunteers are aimed at ensuring that the impact of the calamity is minimised.