Heavy rain lashes Odisha as depression intensifies, schools closed
Odisha has closed schools and cancelled government employee leaves as a depression in the Bay of Bengal intensifies into a deep depression. Authorities are preparing for potential heavy rainfall and flooding across coastal and southern districts.
Why it matters
This highlights the proactive disaster management strategies employed by regional governments in India to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
Heavy rain due to a depression lashed coastal and southern Odisha on Tuesday (September 22, 2026), forcing the government to close schools, cancel employees' leaves and deploy teams in vulnerable areas to prepare for a possible calamity.
With the weather department forecasting that the inclement weather would continue, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam and Gajapati district administrations closed schools for the day, while Malkangiri declared that schools would be closed till September 24, 2026.
Anganwadi centres have also been closed till September 24.
However, teachers and other staff would report to schools, with principals instructed to introduce roster duties so that the buildings remain accessible around the clock and are kept ready for any emergency.
The National Rural Talent Scholarship examination, scheduled for September 22, will be held as planned at designated examination centres, a notification said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in