Bhubaneswar: In response to a fresh heavy rainfall alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), district administrations in two districts of Odisha have ordered the closure of all educational institutions on Thursday, July 30, as a precautionary measure to safeguard students.
All government, private schools, and Anganwadi centres in Nabarangpur district will stay shut on July 30, following an order issued by Collector Maheswar Swain.
The Bhadrak district administration has similarly announced the closure of all Anganwadi centres along with government and private schools on Thursday due to the ongoing flood-like situation triggered by recent incessant rains. “Keeping in view the flood situation created in the district and the continuous rain, classes in all government, government-aided, non-government schools and Anganwadi centres in the district have been suspended tomorrow, i.e., on 30th July, 2026 (Thursday),” a post on the official handle read.
These announcements come after widespread closures on previous days in several districts, including Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendujhar, Baragada, Sambalpur, Sundaragada, Debagad, and others, where heavy rainfall and rising river levels had already disrupted normal life. In many of these areas, closures extended to colleges as well, covering government, aided, and private institutions, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas.
The IMD forecast indicates that the deep depression over north interior Odisha and adjoining areas continues to influence weather patterns, with expectations of very heavy rainfall in interior regions persisting into July 30. Very heavy rainfall has issued for districts Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Koraput till 8.30 am on Thursday. Heavy rain is also likely in Baragaga, Sonpur, Boudh, Balangir, Kandhamala, Rayagada, and Malkangiri. However, there is no heavy rain warning thereafter, though thunderstorm activity may continue at several places in the state during the subsequent three days.
As a precautionary measure, district collectors have been authorised to declare closure of educational institutions in affected areas for as long as necessary, while all government officials have been directed to remain on duty to ensure uninterrupted disaster management operations.