Baripada: The Mayurbhanj administration has ordered for closure of all schools in the district on Friday in anticipation of extremely heavy spells of rain under the influence of a Depression over the Bay of Bengal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning of extremely heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorm/lightning and gusty surface wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph at one or two places in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar on July 25.
The school authorities have been directed to shift hostel boarders, especially those living in mud-walled (kutcha) hostel buildings, to safer locations and ensure that students do not use dilapidated classrooms.
Also Read: Odisha Braces For Extremely Heavy Spells Of Rain As Depression Forms Over Bay
Meanwhile in Malkangiri, the district administration is coordinating with local disaster management teams to monitor flood-prone areas, stock relief materials, and establish temporary shelters as heavy downpours in the last 48 hours have led to waterlogging and flooding in several low-lying areas. Rainwater is flowing around three feet above Kanya Ashram bridge, snapping communication between Kalimela and Padia, sources said.