Bhadrak, Jul 14: Heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system has thrown normal life out of gear in Bhadrak district, inundating low-lying areas and prompting the district administration to declare a holiday for all schools on Tuesday.

Bhadrak Collector Dillip Routray announced the closure of all government and private schools in the district in view of the continuing downpour and waterlogging.

Relentless rain since early morning has led to flooding in several parts of Bhadrak town, with low-lying localities bearing the brunt of the deluge. The Jagannath Temple located near the town bypass was also affected, as rainwater entered the temple premises. Parts of the Shiva Linga within the temple complex were reportedly submerged, highlighting the severity of the flooding.

The heavy rainfall has disrupted daily life, with waterlogging reported across several residential and commercial areas.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cyclonic circulation has formed over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining southern Bangladesh, leading to widespread rainfall across coastal, northern, and interior Odisha.

The weather office has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kandhamal, while Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Nayagarh are also expected to receive heavy rainfall.

The IMD has further predicted that coastal and southern Odisha are likely to experience heavy rainfall on July 15, while rain is expected to continue across coastal and northern Odisha on July 16 and 17.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas to remain cautious, as continued rainfall may lead to further waterlogging and localized flooding in several districts.