Schools Shut Across Several States Amid Heavy Rainfall and Safety Alerts

August 18, India: Schools and colleges across multiple Indian states including Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, and Chandigarh have been closed today, August 18, in response to heavy rainfall, flash flood warnings, and safety concerns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts in several regions, prompting local administrations to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students.

A sudden cloudburst in parts of Jammu and Kashmir has triggered flash floods, leading to the closure of all government and private schools in Jammu district. Authorities have declared August 18 as a precautionary holiday. With forecasts predicting continued heavy rains over the next two days, high alert has been issued in vulnerable areas.

In southern Karnataka, red alert warnings have resulted in the shutdown of schools and colleges in districts like Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, and Hassan.

• In Chikkamagaluru, schools in six taluks including Koppa, Kalasa, Mudigere, Sringeri, and N.R. Pura have been closed by order of Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj.

• In Shivamogga, DC Gurudatta Hegade ordered all educational institutions to suspend operations.

• In Hassan, closures were announced for Sakaleshpur, Belur, and K. Hoskote hobli in Alur taluk by DC K.S. Lathakumari.

The Thrissur District Collector has suspended all classes in educational institutions, including CBSE, ICSE, Kendriya Vidyalayas, madrasas, anganwadis, and private tuition centers due to the worsening weather.
Onam exams, scheduled for August 18, have been postponed, with revised dates to be announced later.

While not directly linked to weather conditions, Chandigarh has also declared August 18 a holiday for all educational institutions. The announcement was made by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria during Independence Day celebrations, citing “student convenience” as the reason. Schools are expected to resume regular operations from Tuesday, August 19.

With heavy monsoon activity continuing in many parts of the country, authorities are urging residents—especially in flood-prone or low-lying areas—to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel. Students and parents are advised to stay updated through official school notifications or local government announcements.