Bhubaneswar: Educational institutions in Odisha’s Rayagada and Nabarangpur districts will remain closed on October 27 and 28 as a precautionary measure in view of the forecast of a severe cyclonic storm approaching the state’s coast, officials said on Monday.
According to separate orders issued by the two district administrations, the closure has been announced to ensure the safety of children amid the prevailing weather system over the Bay of Bengal and the possibility of its intensification and movement towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts.
In Rayagada, all educational institutions, including primary, upper primary, secondary and higher secondary schools under the School and Mass Education (S&ME) and ST & SC Development (SSD) departments, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVs), and aided and private schools, will remain closed for the two days, an official order said.
Similarly, the Nabarangpur district administration has ordered the closure of all Anganwadi centres, government schools, aided schools and private schools on October 27 and 28.
Despite the suspension of educational activities, both administrations have directed the concerned authorities and staff to take necessary measures to ensure emergency preparedness.
In Rayagada, schools have been instructed to remain accessible for use as cyclone shelters. Headmasters and headmistresses have been directed to hand over classroom keys to a local teacher or another designated person to ensure access whenever required.
They, along with other teachers, have also been asked to keep their mobile phones switched on, remain available for emergency calls and be prepared to discharge duties assigned to them in connection with cyclone preparedness.
In Nabarangpur, headmasters, teachers, Anganwadi workers and other staff members have been instructed to remain present at their respective institutions as usual despite the closure of educational activities.
The administrations have emphasised preparedness and coordination to ensure the safety of children and facilitate emergency response measures in the event of adverse weather conditions.
