Bhubaneswar: Authorities in several districts of Odisha have ordered closure of all schools and Anganwadi centres to ensure safety of students as heavy to very heavy rain battered different parts of the state.
The districts where schools have been closed include Kalahandi, Koraput, Puri, Rayagada and Balangir. The step was taken in view of the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of heavy rainfall and to ensure the safety of students.
The closure will cover government, government-aided and private institutions, including elementary, secondary and higher secondary schools, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and all Anganwadi centres.
Heads of institutions have been directed to ensure compliance with the order. Teachers and other staff, however, may attend duty and complete pending official work.
In Rayagada, where a yellow weather warning is in force, the district administration has intensified its preparedness as intermittent rain continues in several areas.
Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni has directed officials to keep schools closed and ensure readiness for possible rain-related emergencies.
Three permanent multipurpose cyclone shelters in Rayagada, Gunupur and Bissamcuttack, along with 84 temporary shelters, have been kept ready.
The administration has identified 11 landslide-prone locations, with Kashipur, Gudari, Ganapur and Mukundapur Ghat among the vulnerable areas. Block officials, the Works Department and the Rural Development Department have been asked to remain vigilant and take preventive measures.
The Fire Service and Electricity departments have also been directed to stay prepared for incidents such as fallen trees, blocked roads and damage to power infrastructure, with instructions for prompt clearance of roads and restoration of electricity.