Odisha closes schools in five districts on October 28–29 as cyclone threat grows
Odisha has ordered schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres to close on October 28 and 29 in five districts as it prepares for heavy rain from a developing storm in the Bay of Bengal. The closures cover Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.
The decision follows a cyclone-preparedness review led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on October 24. No statewide school closure has been announced. In other districts, collectors will decide whether educational institutions need to close after assessing local conditions.
Latest forecast for Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
In its October 25 morning bulletin, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified the Bay of Bengal system as a depression. It forecast that the system would strengthen into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26 and intensify further before approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The IMD forecast a crossing of the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28. It projected maximum sustained winds of 115–125 km/h, with gusts up to 140 km/h, at the time of crossing. That is a forecast, not a confirmed landfall location or strength; the track and intensity may change as the system develops.
Odisha remains at risk of dangerous weather even though the forecast crossing is in Andhra Pradesh. The IMD expects heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in Odisha on October 27. On October 28, it forecasts heavy to very heavy rain at a few places and extremely heavy rain at isolated places, followed by heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places on October 29.
Along and off the adjoining south Odisha coast, the IMD forecasts winds of 40–50 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, from the evening of October 27 through the evening of October 28. It has advised fishermen not to venture along and off the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coasts on October 27 and 28.
Five districts covered by the closure
The October 28–29 closure applies to educational institutions in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. It includes schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres. Families elsewhere in Odisha should watch for announcements from their district administration rather than assume their school or college is closed.
The two-day order is a precaution ahead of the forecast rain. It does not mean the storm has already reached Odisha, and the IMD’s projected Andhra Pradesh crossing does not rule out disruptive rain or wind in southern Odisha.
State puts rescue teams on standby
Odisha has kept 302 rescue teams ready for relief operations. The state has also directed officials to move people from low-lying areas to safe shelters and to arrange healthcare access for pregnant women and patients who could be affected. Health centres in potentially affected areas have been told to stock essential medicines and medical supplies.
Engineering departments have been instructed to prepare to restore roads, electricity and drinking water if services are disrupted. The immediate decisions for residents and families will depend on district-level notices and updated IMD warnings as the system moves closer to the coast.
