Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to close all schools and colleges in the wake of Cyclone Dana. As a precautionary measure, it has declared a holiday for all educational institutions in 14 districts until October 25. Official sources confirm that all schools and colleges in Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Angul, Jajpur, Nayagarh, Khordha, and Cuttack will remain closed until October 25.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar, heavy rainfall with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph is predicted due to a low-pressure system that has developed over the east-central Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify by the morning of October 22. The IMD has also issued a red alert for a total of four districts – Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak. The storm is anticipated to arrive by October 23 over the east-central Bay of Bengal. The sources suggest it is likely to cross the north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island on the night of October 24 or the early morning of October 25.
Odisha schools closed till October 25
In light of the anticipated impact of Cyclone Dana and the red alert issued by the IMD, Special Relief Commissioner DK Singh has directed the School and Mass Education Department to close all educational institutions in the 14 affected districts. As a precautionary measure, the government has ordered the closure of schools and colleges in these districts from October 23 to 25.
Since October 26 and 27 falls on a Saturday and Sunday (weekend), educational institutions are expected to resume on October 28. Parents and students are suggested to keep tracking the latest updates through the official social media handles of the education department. It is also advised to get in touch with respective school authorities.
