Bhubaneswar, Aug 23: As relentless rain lashes several parts of Odisha and the threat of flooding and lightning intensifies, the administrations in Bhadrak and Nabarangpur have declared closure of schools.

Schools and Anganwadi centres across Nabarangpur and 89 schools in Bhadrak district will remain closed on Monday, August 24, following forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall and deteriorating weather conditions.

The precautionary decisions have been taken by the respective district administrations in view of continuous rainfall, concerns over difficult commuting conditions and the prevailing flood situation in parts of the two districts.

In Nabarangpur, the District Collector has ordered the closure of all Anganwadi centres as well as government, government-aided and private schools across the district on Monday.

The administration said the decision was taken keeping in mind the prevailing weather conditions and the safety of students travelling to and from educational institutions.

Continuous rainfall in several parts of Nabarangpur has also raised concerns over road connectivity and transportation. However, the closure will apply only to students. Headmasters, headmistresses, teachers, Anganwadi workers and other staff members have been directed to attend their respective institutions as per the normal schedule.

Meanwhile, in Bhadrak district, the administration has ordered the closure of 89 schools located in Bhadrak, Tihidi and Chandbali blocks on Monday. The decision comes amid continuous rainfall, the prevailing flood situation and restoration work underway in several affected areas.

The weather situation has remained particularly concerning in parts of southern Odisha. Heavy to very heavy rainfall was recorded in Kalahandi, Rayagada and Nabarangpur districts during the last 24 hours under the influence of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.

According to the State Relief Commissioner (SRC) Office, Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi recorded the highest rainfall at 345 mm. It was followed by Gunupur in Rayagada with 260 mm, Kashipur in Rayagada with 212 mm and Jaipatna in Kalahandi with 200 mm.

The IMD has also reported the formation of another low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. The system developed under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the north Bay of Bengal, off the West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts.

According to the IMD, the low-pressure area formed at 5:30 am IST on Sunday. The system is expected to influence weather conditions across parts of Odisha, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures in vulnerable areas.