Heavy Rain Forces School Closures in Odisha as Flash Flood Risk Rises

Educational institutions in several districts of Odisha have been closed as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall increases the risk of flooding across parts of eastern India.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Chhattisgarh as a depression over the Bay of Bengal intensifies. The weather system is expected to cross the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast, bringing intense rainfall to several areas.

As a precautionary measure, authorities in several Odisha districts have ordered educational institutions to remain closed until September 24, 2026. The decision is aimed at protecting students and staff as rainfall and flooding risks increase.

The situation highlights how extreme weather is increasingly becoming an operational issue for the education sector. Heavy rainfall can disrupt school transport, damage roads and local infrastructure, cause waterlogging around campuses and make it difficult for students and teachers to reach schools safely.

The IMD has warned of isolated extremely heavy rainfall in Odisha, while coastal Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.

For schools, such weather events can also affect examination schedules, attendance, academic calendars and access to learning, particularly in areas where transport and digital connectivity are limited.

With the monsoon system continuing to affect parts of eastern India, authorities are monitoring weather conditions and taking precautionary measures to reduce risks for students and staff.