With flood threats intensifying due to incessant rainfall and swelling rivers, the Mayurbhanj district administration has declared a one-day holiday for all schools (government and private) and a three-day closure of Anganwadi centres across the district.
The precautionary step comes in the wake of rising water levels in the Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga rivers, as well as additional inflow from an under-construction dam in Jharkhand, heightening the risk of flash floods.
Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that the department is on high alert, and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is in constant touch with the Jharkhand CM to ensure coordinated water release from upstream.
To strengthen preparedness, NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services teams have been deployed to vulnerable areas, and medical teams are on standby. Residents have been urged to avoid low-lying areas, remain indoors, and follow official advisories.
As Odisha braces for continued heavy rainfall till July 5 (per IMD warnings), all eyes remain on the rivers and skies over northern Odisha.
