Odisha schools closed today, holiday declared in four districts due to heavy rain

Amid the worsening flood situation and forecast of heavy rainfall, schools in a few districts will remain closed today, August 17. In view of red alert issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD), schools will observe a holiday in Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Jajpur and Mayurbhanj districts of Odisha. The order is applicable to all government and private schools in these districts irrespective of the boards they are affiliated with.

IMD has forecast heavy rain in Balasore along with four districts. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next three days, raising concerns over further flooding and disruption to normal life. Schools have been closed as a precautionary measure. If the situation continues, a few schools might shift to online classes. Therefore, students are advised to stay in touch with their schools to avoid missing updates.

The state government has placed its flood-management machinery on high alert and cancelled the leave of officials in flood-affected districts. District administrations have been directed to closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to ensure public safety.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg reviewed the flood situation with district Collectors and instructed officials to remain in the field. Senior officers with previous flood-management experience have also been deployed to Bhadrak, Balasore and Jajpur, while an additional Chief Engineer has been sent to assist the affected districts.

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Flood in Odisha

The school closure comes as Odisha braces for another spell of heavy rain. According to the latest update, around 5.15 lakh people have been affected by the floods, with 947 villages inundated across 49 blocks and five urban areas. Nearly 2.37 lakh people have been evacuated, while around 293 relief camps are operating across affected areas.

Authorities are also monitoring the risks posed by receding floodwaters, including the possibility of snakes and crocodiles entering inundated villages. District administrations are expected to closely monitor weather and flood conditions before taking further decisions on school operations.

IMD has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall for Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, while orange and yellow warnings are in place for several other districts. Heavy rainfall is likely to continue over the next three days.

(With PTI, AIR inputs)