Schools and Colleges Closed in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Due to Cyclone Montha Impact

Due to the impact of Cyclone Montha, several schools and colleges in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha will remain closed as a precautionary measure. The state governments have declared holidays in multiple coastal and low-lying districts to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flood warnings have led local authorities to suspend offline classes and initiate disaster preparedness measures. Officials have urged citizens to stay indoors, and schools are expected to resume operations once weather conditions improve.

Andhra Pradesh School Closure across multiple districts, Odisha also effected due to Cyclone Montha

In view of the severe weather conditions caused by Cyclone Montha, the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have announced the closure of schools and colleges across multiple districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for several coastal regions, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall, strong winds up to 80-100 km/h, and potential flooding in low-lying areas.

In Andhra Pradesh, districts such as Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, and West Godavari have been most affected. The state government has declared a temporary holiday for educational institutions on October 10 and 11, ensuring student safety amid deteriorating weather conditions. Schools and colleges in these regions have been instructed to suspend all academic activities, including examinations, field visits, and cultural events, until further notice.

Similarly, in Odisha, districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Khordha, and Jagatsinghpur are witnessing heavy downpours and gusty winds. The Odisha government has issued directives to district collectors to monitor the situation closely and close schools where necessary. Disaster management teams and local administrations have been put on high alert to respond to emergencies.

The IMD's latest forecast suggests that Cyclone Montha is likely to move north-northeastwards, gradually weakening into a deep depression within the next 24-36 hours. However, continuous rainfall and waterlogging in several areas have disrupted transportation and power supply, prompting authorities to take preventive action.

Key Measures Taken by State Governments:

• Closure of all schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers in cyclone-affected districts.
• Activation of emergency response teams and evacuation of vulnerable families.
• Suspension of outdoor activities, examinations, and public gatherings until the situation stabilizes.
• Setup of control rooms in district headquarters to coordinate rescue and relief operations.
• Instructions to education departments to ensure safety audits of school buildings before reopening.

Local authorities have urged parents to keep children indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during the cyclone alert. Online learning is being encouraged where feasible, and contingency plans are in place for rescheduling missed examinations or assessments.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed across coastal belts for rescue operations. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, as sea conditions remain extremely rough.

Schools are expected to reopen only after the weather improves and safety assessments are completed. Students are advised to stay informed through official announcements issued by the Andhra Pradesh State Education Department and Odisha School and Mass Education Department.

This precautionary closure underscores the government's proactive measures to safeguard lives during extreme weather events and ensure minimal disruption to the education system.