The heavy rainfall battering parts of Odisha on Tuesday (September 1) increased water levels of various rivers in the northern region of the state, resulting
in floods across the districts of Mayurbhanj and Jajpur. In light of the current situation, schools have been directed to remain closed in six blocks of Mayurbhanj district. As reported by PTI, the Mayurbhanj district administration has announced that all government and private schools in six blocks, including Saraskana, Bangiriposi, Bisoi, Kuliana, Badasahi and Betanati, will remain closed until the situation improves. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rainfall in several districts, including Sudergarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Deogarh and Angul, today. The state government is handling the situation by deploying relief and rescue teams in 147 villages inundated by the floodwaters of the Budhabalanga and Baitarani rivers in Mayurbhanj and Jajpur districts. "Floodwater and heavy rain continue to affect people in 146 villages and one urban area in Mayurbhanj and Jajpur districts. Immediate priorities have been given to access to cut-off habitations, supply of cooked food and safe drinking water," Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh P Patil said, according to the news agency.
Schools Closed in Jharkhand's Garhwa District Amid Red Alert
Meanwhile, a flood warning has also been issued for ten districts of Jharkhand following heavy and incessant rainfall on Tuesday. As per the bulletin issued by the IMD, a flash flood alert has been sounded for districts including Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Khunti, Saraikela-Kharsawan, West and East Singhbhum, and Simdega until this morning.
A ‘red alert’ has also been issued for very heavy rain in Garhwa and Palamu districts. Taking the prevailing situation seriously, the Garhwa administration has ordered the closure of all schools on September 2 and 3, 2026.
"Considering the possibility of floods and water-logging in various areas due to excessive rainfall, Deputy Commissioner Pashupati Nath Mishra has directed the district education officer (DEO) and the district education superintendent (DES) to keep all schools in the district closed on September 2 and 3," it said, according to PTI.
It should be noted that only non-scholastic work would be conducted in schools during this period. All teachers and related staff must remain present at their respective schools.
(With PTI Inputs)
