Bhubaneswar: With the very severe cyclonic storm Arnab over the Bay of Bengal moving towards the coast, schools and Anganwadi centres will remain closed in Khordha, Jagatsinghpur and Nayagada districts of Odisha as a safety measure.
The District Collectors of Khordha, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Nayagada have announced closure of all schools and Anganwadi centres on October 27 and 28.
In Khordha, Collector Amrit Ruturaj has ordered that all government, government-aided and private schools from Shishu Vatika to Class XII will remain closed from 1 pm today (October 27) and tomorrow (October 28). Headmasters and Principals have been asked to keep the school buildings open 24 hours on roster duty as cyclone shelters and to keep all arrangements ready. All leaves of government employees in Khordha have been cancelled till October 31.
In Puri district, the holiday applies to educational institutions from Shishu Vatika to Class XII, along with Anganwadi centres. However, teachers have been directed to attend their respective schools, according to the District Education Officer’s instructions.
In Jagatsinghpur and Nayagada, the Collectors have also declared closure of all schools and Anganwadi centres for today and tomorrow. However, teachers and staff have been instructed to remain present in schools to ensure safety of school property and documents.
Earlier, south Odisha districts had also announced closure of schools in view of the cyclone.