Kendrapara, July 27: Authorities have declared a holiday for all schools and Anganwadi centres in Kendrapara district today as heavy rainfall continues to lash Odisha under the influence of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.

The decision was taken by the District Collector following a forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the district. The closure has been ordered to ensure the safety of students, and an official notification has been issued by the district administration.

The low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a deep depression within the next 24 hours while moving northwestward. According to the IMD, the system is likely to cross the coast between north Odisha and West Bengal, triggering widespread rainfall across the state over the next two days.

Several parts of Odisha have already been witnessing incessant rainfall, with authorities closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to remain cautious as the weather system progresses.