Heavy rain from deep depression forces school closures and alerts in Odisha

A deep depression situated over the Bay of Bengal generated heavy rainfall across coastal and southern Odisha on Tuesday, forcing authorities to close schools in Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam and Gajapati for the day and to keep them shut in Malkangiri and Anganwadi centres until September 24. Teachers and staff were instructed to stay on site and implement roster duties so schools remain accessible for emergency operations.

Government employees’ leave was cancelled in Ganjam, Koraput and Kalahandi, and vehicle movement was limited on routes such as Kalinga Ghat, while ferry service between Satapada and Jahnikuda on Chilika Lake was halted through September 25. The India Meteorological Department projected the system to intensify into a deep depression, issuing red alerts for districts including Koraput, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri for September 23-25, with gusts up to 75 km per hour expected.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg placed collectors of 11 districts on high alert and prepared cyclone and flood shelters, though he dismissed the likelihood of a cyclone forming. The National Rural Talent Scholarship exam scheduled for September 22 will proceed as planned.