Schools closed in Chhattisgarh, Odisha amid heavy rainfall; check district-wise holiday updates

Schools in parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha will remain closed due to continuous heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions triggered by Cyclone Arnab. District administrations have announced precautionary holidays to protect students and ensure their safety as several areas experience waterlogging and flood-like situations.

In Chhattisgarh, schools in several districts have been directed to remain closed until Saturday, October 31. In Odisha, the administrations of Ganjam and Gajapati have also extended holidays for educational institutions because of persistent rainfall and rising water levels.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that Cyclone Arnab weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over central Chhattisgarh and adjoining Odisha on October 29. The weather system is expected to move north-northeastwards and weaken further.

District-wise school holiday updates

1. Chhattisgarh: Schools to remain closed until October 31

Several districts in Chhattisgarh have announced school closures until October 31 because of persistent rainfall and waterlogging.

According to the weather bulletin, the IMD has issued:

Red alert: Raigarh and surrounding areas.

Orange alerts: Several districts across the Surguja, Bilaspur and Raipur divisions.

Rainfall concerns: Parts of the Bastar division, including Sukma, have also experienced rainfall.

The weather system has weakened, but authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Important: The available report does not provide a complete list of Chhattisgarh districts where school closure orders have been issued. Parents should confirm the holiday through their respective district administrations or schools.

2. Odisha: Ganjam and Gajapati schools closed

Two districts in Odisha have extended school holidays due to heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions.

Ganjam: The district administration has ordered the closure of all Anganwadi centres, schools, degree colleges, technical institutions and university departments until October 31, 2026.

The directive has been issued by the Office of the Collector and District Magistrate, Ganjam.

Gajapati: The district administration has also extended school holidays until October 31. Schools were earlier scheduled to reopen after October 29, but continuing rainfall and unfavourable weather conditions prompted authorities to extend the closure.

IMD weather update: Cyclone Arnab weakens into low-pressure area

According to the India Meteorological Department, the remnant of Cyclone Arnab moved northwards and weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over central Chhattisgarh and adjoining Odisha at 5:30 PM on October 29.

The weather system is likely to move further towards northeast Chhattisgarh and neighbouring areas before weakening further.

The IMD's weather bulletin also warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha.

Students, parents and school authorities have been advised to follow district-level announcements and weather advisories before resuming regular academic activities.