Continuous heavy rainfall across Odisha prompted the Kandhamala district administration to declare a two-day holiday for all government and private schools on July 2 and 3.
The decision came after the District Collector reviewed weather conditions and safety concerns for students.
According to the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, Kandhamala recorded 75.2 mm of rainfall till 8.30 am on July 2. Other districts witnessed heavier showers — Ambabhona in Baragada logged 180 mm, Jujumara in Sambalpur received 130.8 mm, and Atabira in Baragada registered 120 mm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported an upper air cyclonic circulation over North Odisha and adjoining regions. Under its influence, rainfall activity will intensify across Odisha, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.
Meanwhile, the Fisheries Department at Bhogarai in Baleshwar prohibited fishermen from venturing into the sea till July 5 due to forecasts of strong winds and lightning over the Bay of Bengal. Officials used public announcement systems in Udaypur, Talsari, Bichitrapur, and Kirtania to alert coastal residents.
Authorities advised fishermen to secure boats and nets at safe locations and urged residents of low-lying coastal areas to remain vigilant as heavy rain continues across the state.
