Schools closed in Chhattisgarh, Odisha amid heavy rainfall; check district-wise updates

Schools in several districts of Chhattisgarh will remain closed today amid heavy rainfall triggered by cyclone Arnab. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety, as rain has caused waterlogging in several parts of the state. District administrations in Chhattisgarh have directed schools to remain closed till Saturday, October 31, in view of the prevailing weather conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the remnant of Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab, which was centred over central Chhattisgarh and adjoining Odisha, weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area at 5:30 pm on October 29. It is likely to move north-northeastwards and weaken further into a low-pressure area over northeast Chhattisgarh and neighbouring areas during the next 24 hours.

Heavy rainfall has also affected parts of Odisha, prompting district administrations in Ganjam and Gajapati to extend holidays for educational institutions. According to an official order issued by the Ganjam district administration, all Anganwadi centres, schools, degree colleges, technical institutions and university departments will remain closed until October 31, 2026.

Also read Karnataka coaching centres may face 5-hour daily cap, no under-15 enrolment, Rs 5 lakh fine for violations

Similarly, the Gajapati district administration has extended school holidays by another two days due to incessant rainfall and adverse weather conditions. Schools in the district had earlier been ordered to remain closed until October 29.

Heavy rainfall in Chhattisgarh

Rainfall continues across several districts of Chhattisgarh following the weakening of Cyclone Arnab into a low-pressure area. The IMD has issued orange alerts for certain districts in the Surguja, Bilaspur and Raipur divisions, while a red alert has been issued for Raigarh and surrounding areas. In the Bastar division, districts including Sukma have also been experiencing rainfall over the past two days.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai over the phone to assess the situation arising from the cyclone. Sai briefed Shah on the rainfall and its impact across the state.