Odisha Hit by Heavy Rain; Schools Remain Closed in Several Districts

Published: Monday, July 6, 2026, 15:01 [IST]

The Odisha Government has placed the state on high alert as heavy rainfall continued for the third consecutive day, disrupting normal life in several districts. Following continuous downpours and forecasts of more rain, district administrations have ordered the closure of schools and colleges in affected areas to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Heavy Rain Continues Across Odisha — Photo Credits - AI Image

According to officials, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the spell of heavy rain is likely to continue until July 7, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation and take precautionary measures wherever necessary.

Schools and Colleges Closed in Several Districts

In view of the prevailing weather conditions, educational institutions remained closed in multiple districts, including:

Cuttack
Kandhamal
Sambalpur
Sonepur
Bargarh

District administrations issued the closure orders as a preventive measure due to waterlogging, flooding concerns, and the possibility of further heavy rainfall.

Authorities have advised students, parents, and educational institutions to stay updated through official notifications regarding the reopening of schools and colleges.

IMD Issues Orange and Yellow Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts for several districts across Odisha.

Orange Alert (Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall)

The orange warning has been issued for:

Bargarh
Sambalpur
Angul
Sonepur
Boudh
Nuapada
Bolangir

Residents in these districts have been advised to remain prepared for possible waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and localized flooding.

Yellow Alert (Heavy Rainfall)

The yellow warning has been issued for:

Cuttack
Sundargarh
Jharsuguda
Deogarh
Dhenkanal
Keonjhar
Kalahandi
Kandhamal
Nabarangpur
Nayagarh

People living in these districts have been asked to remain cautious and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

Active Monsoon System Behind Heavy Rain

According to the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, the widespread rainfall is being caused by an active monsoon system associated with a depression over the Bay of Bengal.

The weather system has intensified rainfall activity across Odisha, leading to exceptionally high precipitation in several locations.

During the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 AM on Monday, 12 places in the state recorded more than 200 mm of rainfall.

Among the highest rainfall figures:

Sonepur recorded 328.4 mm
Ullunda (Sonepur district) received 290 mm

These rainfall amounts indicate the intensity of the ongoing weather system affecting the state.

Damage Reported from Several Districts

The Odisha Revenue Department has received reports of damage caused by the continuous rainfall, including:

Waterlogging in low-lying areas
Damage to roads and bridges
Uprooting of trees
Disruption of transportation in some regions

District administrations and disaster management teams remain on alert to respond quickly to any emergency arising from the adverse weather conditions.

Advisory for Residents

Authorities have advised residents to:

Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.
Stay away from flooded roads and waterlogged areas.
Follow updates issued by the IMD and district administrations.
Cooperate with local authorities in case of emergency advisories.

Conclusion

With heavy rainfall continuing across Odisha and the IMD forecasting more rain until July 7, the state government has intensified precautionary measures to minimize risks. The temporary closure of schools and colleges in several districts is aimed at safeguarding students as authorities closely monitor the evolving weather situation. Residents are advised to stay informed through official weather updates and exercise caution until conditions improve.