In response to a forecast predicting heavy rainfall, all schools from Class I to XII in seven blocks of the Mayurbhanj district will not operate on September 26. This decision was made by the district administration.

The affected schools include government, government-aided, and private institutions located in the blocks of Thakurmunda, Kaptipada, Udala, Gopabandhunagar, Khunta, Barasahi, and Betnoti.

The Mayurbhanj District Education Officer (DEO) mandated the closure as a preventive action following a warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in several regions of Odisha.

Residents have been urged to stay vigilant and adhere to updates from local authorities as the weather situation evolves.

The IMD has issued an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in select areas including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, and Nabarangpur on September 26.

Additionally, a yellow warning has been placed for heavy rainfall in locations such as Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghapur, Kataka, Debagarh, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Subarnapur, Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.

According to the IMD, a depression currently over South Odisha and nearby South Chhattisgarh is expected to continue its north-northwestward movement while maintaining its strength for the next 12 hours. Subsequently, it is anticipated to weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area within the following 12 hours.

Authorities are closely observing this weather system and its accompanying rainfall, implementing precautionary measures in at-risk areas.