Odisha Schools to Remain Closed for Three Days Due to Heavy Rain Forecast

Khurda, September 22 (Daily Kiran) : In Khurda, Odisha, all schools will be closed for three days, from September 22 to 24, due to forecasts of heavy rainfall linked to a developing cyclonic system in the sea. The district collector issued the directive following an assessment by the meteorological department. The 'Samagra Shiksha' project office in Khurda has mandated that all government, aided, model schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and privately operated institutions adhere to this closure.The order affects classes from pre-primary to grade 12. Despite the school closures, the BSE Odisha NRST examination scheduled for September 22 will proceed at the designated 13 centers as planned. Teachers and staff members are required to remain present at the schools during this period, and no leave will be granted from September 22 to 24. Schools are also instructed to maintain readiness for any emergencies arising from the rainfall. Headmasters have been directed to arrange roster-based duties to ensure schools are open 24/7, facilitating support for the district administration if needed.Parents and students are advised to stay vigilant regarding the precautions taken by the authorities in light of the anticipated heavy rain. Additionally, all Anganwadi centers in the district will also be closed during these three days. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for parts of southern Odisha from September 23 to 25. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Koraput, Gajapati, and Ganjam on September 23 and 24, with a similar alert for Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri on September 24 and 25.Winds along the southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh coasts may reach speeds of 55-65 km/h, potentially gusting up to 75 km/h from the morning of September 23 through the evening of September 24.