Impact of floods in Odisha: Schools closed in four districts; government takes precautionary decision.
Bhubaneswar. In view of the severe flood situation in Odisha, the state government has decided to keep schools closed in four districts as a precautionary measure. Orders have been issued to close all government and private schools in Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts on Friday, prioritizing the safety of children in flood-affected areas.
The state government stated that this decision was taken considering the continuous rainfall, rising river water levels, and waterlogging in several areas. The administration aims to ensure that students, teachers, and school staff do not face any difficulties amidst the adverse weather and flood conditions. The decision to close schools is purely a precautionary measure.
Several districts in Odisha have been experiencing flood-like conditions due to heavy rainfall over the past few days. River water levels are steadily rising, and pressure on embankments has increased in many locations. The situation is particularly concerning in Jajpur district, where embankment breaches have been reported at seven locations across three rivers. Consequently, floodwaters have spread to several surrounding areas.
The district administration is continuously monitoring the flood situation. Relief and rescue teams have been mobilized. Efforts are underway to relocate people from affected areas to safer locations and provide essential amenities. The decision to close schools is also considered part of this comprehensive safety plan.
According to officials, many low-lying areas in Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Jajpur are inundated. Road connectivity has been disrupted in some areas, hindering the movement of people. Sending children to school under these circumstances could have been risky; therefore, the government decided to close schools with immediate effect.
The Education Department and district administration have instructed school managements to ensure compliance with the order. Along with keeping all government and private educational institutions closed, school authorities have been asked to inform students and parents about the closure. Officials have also clarified that separate instructions regarding the reopening of schools will be issued once the situation returns to normal.
The administration states that during disasters like floods, the safety of the people is the top priority. The decision to close schools was taken with the safety of children in mind. Additionally, officials in the concerned districts have been instructed to continuously monitor the area and take immediate action in the event of any emergency.
The administration’s concerns have mounted following embankment breaches in Jajpur district. Reports indicate breaches at four locations along the Brahmani River, two locations along the Kani River (a tributary of the Baitarani River), and one location along the Nua Mahara (a branch of the Kharasrota River). Consequently, floodwaters have reached several villages. The administration is actively engaged in providing relief to the affected people.
The Meteorological Department has also predicted continued rainfall in certain parts of the state. In light of this, the administration has directed all relevant departments to remain alert. The Water Resources Department is monitoring the embankments and carrying out repairs wherever necessary.
The local administration has appealed to the public not to heed rumors and to follow official instructions during any emergency. Residents living near riverbanks have been advised to exercise extra caution. Arrangements for food, drinking water, and medical facilities are being made for those arriving at relief camps.
The state government has stated that the flood situation is being constantly monitored and that precautionary measures may be implemented in other districts if required. For now, the decision to keep schools closed in four districts has been taken by prioritizing the safety of children and teachers.
Amidst the flood situation in Odisha, the government, district administration, and disaster management teams remain actively engaged. Officials have affirmed that all necessary measures will continue to be taken until the situation normalizes and that relief operations in the affected areas will be expedited.
