CM Mohan Charan Majhi orders round-the-clock preparedness as 33 ODRAF teams move into action; district-specific school holiday declared for September 24
Demonstrating swift leadership and strong disaster preparedness, the Odisha Government has activated an extensive emergency-response mechanism as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal moves towards the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast.
The India Meteorological Department issued a red warning for parts of southern Odisha, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places. Squally winds, localised flooding, landslides in vulnerable terrain and disruption to road connectivity were among the major concerns associated with the system.
According to an IMD press release, the deep depression was expected to cross the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur.
At 5.30 pm on September 23, the system was located near latitude 18.1°N and longitude 84.0°E—about 30 kilometres south-southwest of Kalingapatnam, 90 kilometres east-northeast of Visakhapatnam and 160 kilometres southwest of Gopalpur. It was moving west-northwestwards at approximately seven kilometres per hour.
CM Majhi Leads Odisha’s Emergency Preparedness
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi personally reviewed the developing situation and directed the entire administrative machinery to remain on maximum alert.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to maintain round-the-clock emergency control rooms, identify vulnerable habitations, prepare cyclone and relief shelters, facilitate evacuation wherever required and maintain sufficient stocks of food, drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies.
His proactive intervention placed public safety at the centre of Odisha’s response, ensuring close coordination among district administrations, disaster-response forces, police, fire services, health teams and other essential departments.
The administration was also directed to safeguard pregnant women, elderly residents, children and people living in low-lying or landslide-prone areas.
33 ODRAF Teams Mobilised
As many as 33 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams were mobilised across vulnerable districts to respond to flooding, fallen trees, road blockages and other rain-related emergencies. Nine additional teams were kept ready at Chhatrapur for rapid deployment.
Six teams each were positioned in Ganjam and Koraput, while three teams each were assigned to Gajapati, Rayagada and Malkangiri. Two teams were stationed in Kalahandi and another in Balangir, according to reports on the state’s preparedness.
The large-scale mobilisation underlined the government’s determination to minimise loss of life and property. Cyclone shelters and other safe buildings were kept ready, while emergency helplines were placed under continuous monitoring. Sources reported that Odisha had intensified its preparedness under the Chief Minister’s direction.
Are Schools Closed Tomorrow?
Yes, but the closure is district-specific—not a statewide general holiday.
Schools and Anganwadi centres were ordered to remain closed on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in at least eight vulnerable districts:
- Nabarangpur
- Malkangiri
- Puri
- Jagatsinghpur
- Ganjam
- Gajapati
- Koraput
- Khurda
The precautionary closure was announced to protect students from heavy rainfall, waterlogging, strong winds and possible disruption to transportation.
In several districts, teachers and other employees were instructed to report for duty so that school buildings could remain available for emergency or relief operations. Parents and students were advised to follow orders issued by their respective district administrations, as closure periods could differ depending on local conditions. The district-wise closure for September 24 was also reported by Sources.
Red Alert for Southern Odisha
The IMD’s highest-level rainfall warning covered particularly vulnerable parts of southern and interior Odisha. Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri were among the districts facing the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
Heavy rain was also expected in Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Balangir and adjoining areas as the weather system moved inland.
Residents of low-lying localities were advised to remain vigilant against sudden waterlogging and localised flooding. People in hilly regions were urged to exercise additional caution because intense rainfall could trigger landslides or dislodge rocks and debris.
Odisha’s Preparedness Model in Full Action
The response once again demonstrated Odisha’s strong institutional capacity to confront severe weather events. Early school closures, advance deployment of specialised forces, preparation of shelters and direct monitoring by the Chief Minister showed an administration acting before the system made landfall.
Government departments were placed in mission mode to protect lives, maintain essential services and restore connectivity quickly in the event of disruption. Officials were also directed to monitor rivers, reservoirs, vulnerable roads and urban drainage systems.
Residents were urged to remain indoors during severe weather, avoid swollen rivers and submerged roads, stay away from electric poles and fallen wires, and rely only on official IMD and government advisories.
With Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi leading the preparedness effort and disaster-response teams deployed across vulnerable regions, Odisha entered the critical hours with a coordinated, alert and people-first administration ready to meet the challenge.
Prasanta Patnaik