District administrations across Odisha have declared a school holiday for Saturday, 26 September 2026, in Kataka, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Nuapada, along with 399 schools in seven blocks of Bhadrak, following days of heavy rainfall linked to the remnants of a deep depression that earlier crossed the Odisha-Andhra coast.
The decision comes after several southern and western districts already observed closures from 23 to 25 September. Officials cited waterlogging, poor road conditions and the risk of further showers as the main reasons for extending the holiday to protect students.
In Bhadrak, the Collector ordered the closure of 399 schools across seven blocks. The other four districts will see a complete shutdown of government, aided and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centres in most cases.
The India Meteorological Department said the depression, now located over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining interior Odisha near Nuapada, is expected to weaken further. However, an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rain remains in force for Nuapada and Nabarangpur, while a yellow warning covers Cuttack (Kataka), Bhadrak and Malkangiri. Isolated heavy rain is still likely on 26 September.
Revenue and Disaster Management officials earlier reported that more than 8,000 people had been shifted to safer locations and that 37 blocks across six districts had been affected. Teachers in several districts have been directed to remain at their places of posting even while students stay home.
Parents have been advised to follow official announcements from their respective district collectors and school authorities, as local conditions may still change. Additional classes may be arranged later to make up for lost instructional days.
