Rain Fury / Mayurbhanj Declares Holiday for All Schools as IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert

Baripada, Aug 8: The Mayurbhanj district administration on Saturday declared a holiday for all schools as a precautionary measure after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall. Although the weather alert has since been downgraded to an Orange Warning, authorities have maintained a high level of preparedness amid the continuing threat of adverse weather, officials said.

The Red Warning remained in force until 8.30 AM on Saturday, following forecasts of intense rainfall triggered by the combined influence of the southwest monsoon, a cyclonic circulation over north Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal and the adjoining Bay of Bengal, along with a trough extending across Jharkhand and neighbouring areas. The IMD has now placed the district under an Orange Warning until Sunday, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall at isolated places.

District officials said schools were closed to ensure the safety of students and staff, while parents were advised to keep children indoors and follow official weather advisories. The administration has also instructed all departments to remain on alert and respond promptly to any rain-related emergency.

Despite the weather warnings, rainfall in Mayurbhanj has so far remained largely moderate. Since Friday, overcast skies and intermittent drizzle have been reported across almost all blocks, with no incidents of severe flooding or major disruptions.

According to official figures, the district's 26 rain gauge stations recorded a cumulative rainfall of 683.3 mm between Friday and 8.30 AM on Saturday. Thakurmunda received the highest rainfall at 68 mm, followed by Bahalda (54 mm), Karanjia (49 mm), Udala (46.8 mm), Bangiriposi (43.2 mm), G.B. Nagar (42 mm) and Khunta (41 mm).
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The Similipal landscape also recorded light rainfall, with Satkosia receiving 57 mm and Bhanjabasa 51.5 mm. Officials said the rainfall in the forest catchment is unlikely to cause any significant rise in river water levels.

Elsewhere in Odisha, heavy rainfall has been forecast for Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Sambalpur and Bargarh districts, while several coastal and central districts are likely to experience moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.