Odisha, Andhra Pradesh schools closed amid heavy rain: Check district-wise holiday and IMD forecast

Schools in several districts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have been closed as heavy to very heavy rainfall continues under the influence of a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal. The precautionary closures have been announced by district administrations, with officials also putting emergency preparedness measures in place.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha on September 24, followed by very heavy rain on September 25 and 26.Odisha school holiday: Which districts have announced closures?Several Odisha districts have announced school closures because of the adverse weather conditions. Schools and Anganwadi centres in affected areas have been shut as a precautionary measure.The closure announcements include districts such as Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput, Puri, and Nabarangpur. Malkangiri had announced closure through September 24, while other districts have issued orders according to the local weather situation.The administration has clarified that the school holiday applies to students. Teachers and other school staff have been directed to report to their respective institutions. Principals have also been asked to introduce roster-based duties so that school buildings remain accessible around the clock and can be used if an emergency arises.In Koraput and Kalahandi, authorities have directed teachers not to leave their places of posting until September 25 as part of the preparedness measures.Andhra Pradesh school holiday: Schools closed in rain-affected districtsAndhra Pradesh has also announced school holidays in districts affected by the deep depression and heavy rainfall.On September 23, schools in Alluri Sitarama Raju, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and Anakapalli were ordered to remain closed. Earlier reports also indicated closures in Parvathipuram Manyam, with Anganwadi centres covered by the precautionary measures.The weather system has continued to affect coastal Andhra Pradesh, with authorities warning of widespread rainfall in several districts.According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, heavy rainfall is likely over Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, and Eluru.Students and parents should note that school closure decisions are being taken at the district level. Therefore, a holiday in one district does not automatically mean that schools across the entire state will remain closed.IMD weather forecast: Heavy rain likely to continueThe IMD has issued a red alert for parts of southern Odisha amid the continuing weather system. Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain possible at isolated places on September 24 and 25.The IMD's latest Odisha warning indicates extremely heavy rain on September 24, followed by very heavy rainfall on September 25 and 26. A heavy rainfall warning remains in place for September 27.The deep depression has also triggered strong winds and difficult weather conditions along parts of the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast. Authorities have therefore stepped up preparedness in vulnerable areas.Will schools remain closed tomorrow?Whether schools remain closed beyond the dates already announced will depend on fresh orders from the respective district administrations.The current weather forecast indicates that heavy to very heavy rainfall could continue across parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh over the next few days. However, students should not assume that schools will remain closed unless an official order is issued by their district administration or school authorities.Parents and students are advised to check official district administration notices, school communication groups, and local government announcements for the latest information before travelling to school.The school closures are primarily a precautionary measure aimed at avoiding student movement during potentially hazardous weather and keeping school infrastructure available for emergency response.Get the latest Education News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.