Bhadrak, July 29 (UDN): In view of the worsening flood situation and continuing heavy rainfall, the Bhadrak district administration has ordered the closure of all schools and Anganwadi centres across the district on Wednesday as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and children.
The order covers government, government-aided and private educational institutions, while teachers and non-teaching staff have been instructed to remain available for emergency and disaster management duties as directed by the district administration.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over the rising water level of the Baitarani River, which is expected to swell further following heavy inflows from its upper catchment. Officials have warned that low-lying areas, particularly in Dhamnagar, Tihidi and adjoining regions, remain vulnerable to flooding.
According to the district administration, flood preparedness has been significantly strengthened as nearly 6.5 lakh cusecs of water are expected to pass through the river system, with the Baitarani likely to reach its peak level during the early hours of Wednesday.
A high-level review meeting chaired by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj assessed the district's preparedness and directed officials to complete all precautionary measures without delay. Authorities have been asked to stockpile sandbags at vulnerable embankments, enhance surveillance of riverbanks and intensify public awareness campaigns in flood-prone villages.
To bolster rescue operations, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has deployed 10 rescue boats in vulnerable areas. The administration has also cancelled the leave of government officials posted in Dhamnagar and Tihidi blocks for the next seven days to ensure uninterrupted emergency response.
Meanwhile, evacuation of residents from low-lying areas has already begun in vulnerable pockets. Pregnant women are being shifted to safer locations, flood shelters have been activated, and adequate stocks of cattle fodder and essential relief materials have been arranged.
District officials said all line departments, including Fire Services, ODRAF and other emergency response agencies, have been placed on high alert as heavy rainfall is expected to continue, keeping the flood threat alive over the next two days.
The administration has appealed to residents living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant, follow official advisories and cooperate with evacuation teams if the situation demands.
