Odisha Orders Four-District School Closures Amid Rain
Odisha Orders Four-District School Closures Amid Rain
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Key Points
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The heavy rainfall is expected to spread from southern Odisha into interior parts of the state through September 25, and Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed collectors in 11 districts to remain prepared.
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The IMD issued red alerts for several southern districts: Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam for September 23–24, followed by Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri for September 24–25.
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Winds along the southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh coasts could gust to 75 kmph, in addition to sustained speeds of 55–65 kmph, from the morning of September 23 through the evening of September 24.
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In Jagatsinghpur, the closure order specifically covered government and private primary, upper-primary and secondary schools as well as Anganwadi centres, while Ganjam’s three-day order specifically covered all Anganwadi centres.
Odisha shut schools and childcare centers across four districts on September 22 as a depression over the Bay of Bengal threatens heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department warned that some areas could see up to 20 centimeters of rain, with coastal winds gusting to 75 kilometers per hour. Odisha TV reported that Khordha and Gajapati will close schools through September 24, while Jagatsinghpur and Ganjam announced similar precautions.
The state's chief secretary ordered officials in 11 districts to prepare for possible flooding and river swells. Red alerts were issued for Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam on September 23–24, with classes suspended but critical exams and staff duties continuing as planned. Khelja noted that Anganwadi centers serving young children remain closed to protect vulnerable populations from dangerous weather.
Depression Brings Extreme Rainfall Across Southern Coastal Districts
Heavy rain is expected to spread from southern Odisha into inland regions through September 25. Newsy Today reported that the Bay of Bengal depression will dump 15–20 centimeters of rain in the hardest-hit zones. Coastal winds will blow at 55–65 kilometers per hour sustained, with gusts reaching 75 kilometers per hour from the morning of September 23 through the evening of September 24.
Low-lying areas face serious flooding risk. The India Meteorological Department placed red alerts on Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam for September 23–24. Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri will face the same alert level on September 24–25. Chief Secretary Anu Garg told all 11 affected district collectors to stay alert and prepare evacuation and rescue teams.
School Closures Ordered But Exams and Staff Duties Continue
Classes are suspended across Khordha, Gajapati, Jagatsinghpur and Ganjam districts from September 22 through 24. BW Education reported that the closures apply to all government and private primary, upper-primary and secondary schools. Notably, the National Recruitment Test Service examination in Khordha will proceed on schedule despite the school shutdown and dangerous weather conditions.
Teachers and staff must stay available while schools maintain emergency-readiness rosters. Anganwadi centres—government-run childcare and nutrition programs—remain closed in all four districts. Khelja noted that Ganjam's three-day order specifically covers all Anganwadi centres to protect young children from hazardous conditions.
Widespread Alerts Across Eleven Districts Demand State Readiness
Odisha's chief secretary has ordered all collectors in 11 districts to prepare for possible river-level rises and flooding as the system approaches the southern coast. The depression is spreading northward into interior regions, putting many communities at risk. Officials must position rescue teams, secure vulnerable populations and monitor water levels throughout the alert period.
The coordinated closure orders and alert system aim to prevent deaths and injuries during the peak rainfall and wind event. Emergency protocols remain active, and state authorities are monitoring the depression's track hour by hour. Schools will reopen once the meteorological department clears the severe weather threat.
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