Bhubaneswar: District administrations in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi have ordered the closure of all government and private schools as well as Anganwadi centres on Thursday due to the prevailing flood situation and persistent heavy rainfall.
The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety, as several parts of these districts continue to grapple with incessant rains and rising river levels. The district administrations have urged residents to stay alert, avoid waterlogged areas, and cooperate with rescue teams while closely monitoring the flood situation.
In Bhadrak, the situation remains particularly concerning with both the Baitarani and Salandi rivers having crossed the danger mark. At Akhuapada, the Baitarani River was flowing at 20.44 metres on Wednesday morning, well above the danger level of 18.33 metres.
Floodwaters have inundated several panchayats in Bhandaripokhari, Dhamnagar, and Tihidi blocks, severely disrupting road connectivity. The Bhandaripokhari-Jajpur road link has been cut off, while nearly 15 wards in Bhadrak town and multiple surrounding panchayats have also been affected.
Officials are keeping a round-the-clock watch on the developing situation across the four districts.
