Bhubaneswar, Sept 23: Schools and Anganwadi centres in several districts of Odisha have been closed as heavy rainfall triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal continues to affect the state.

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The Odisha government has placed 11 districts on high alert amid the risk of urban flooding, waterlogging and landslides. Chief Secretary Anu Garg has directed district administrations to closely monitor the situation and take precautionary measures.

Schools and Anganwadi centres in Malkangiri, Ganjam, Gajapati and Khordha have been ordered to remain closed from September 22 to 24 in view of the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Authorities in Koraput have also announced the closure of schools as a precautionary measure.

In Jagatsinghpur, the district administration had initially declared a holiday on September 22. The closure has been extended, with all government and private schools, along with Anganwadi centres, remaining shut today as well.

Despite the closure for students, teachers and other school staff have been instructed to report for duty. In vulnerable areas, including Koraput and Kalahandi, schools have been placed under round-the-clock duty rosters so that school buildings can be used as emergency shelters if required.

Also Read: Depression triggers heavy rain in Gajapati; houses damaged, landslide reported

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri, with heavy rainfall expected to continue as the weather system moves inland.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local administrations.