Heavy monsoon rains forced the closure of 126 schools across Bhadrak district in Odisha on August 20. Meanwhile, Manipur’s government ordered a three‑day shutdown of all educational institutions citing a prevailing law‑and‑order situation.

  • 126 schools closed in Bhadrak, Odisha
  • Manipur imposes a 3‑day school closure (Aug 20‑22)
  • Closures driven by severe rain and law‑and‑order concerns

India is currently experiencing the peak of the southwest monsoon, and this year’s downpours have hit several states hard. In Odisha’s Bhadrak district, the district administration ordered the closure of 126 schools on Thursday, August 20, as flood‑related risks and ongoing restoration work made it unsafe for students and staff.

The shutdown covers schools in the Bhadrak, Tihidi, Dhamnagar, Bhandaripokhari, and Chandbali blocks. This precaution follows an earlier directive on August 19 that shut 297 schools across six blocks, underscoring the escalating severity of the weather.

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According to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, the district can expect cloudy skies with the possibility of light rain or thunderstorms over the next few days, offering only a marginal improvement in conditions.

In a separate development, the Manipur government announced a three‑day closure of all schools from August 20 to August 22, 2026. The decision, issued by the state Education Department, cites the “prevailing law‑and‑order situation” as the primary reason and applies to schools affiliated with the Board of Secondary Education, the Council of Higher Secondary Education, CBSE, and others.

All government‑run, aided, and unaided colleges and higher‑education institutions in Manipur will also remain closed during this period, with a planned reopening on Monday, August 23.

Historical Background

Monsoon‑related school closures are not new in India. In 2019, heavy floods in Odisha forced the shutdown of over 2,000 schools, while the 2022 Uttarakhand snowstorm disrupted the academic calendar for weeks. Such events highlight how natural disasters and civil unrest can severely impact educational continuity.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that prolonged school closures not only disrupt learning outcomes but also exacerbate existing educational inequities, especially in rural and conflict‑prone regions. Timely interventions and remote learning solutions become critical to prevent long‑term academic setbacks.

"Local authorities must strengthen both flood‑management and digital education platforms to mitigate learning loss," says Dr. Anjali Mehta, senior education analyst.
Did You Know?: Odisha recorded its first monsoon‑induced statewide school shutdown in the 1980s, prompting the development of disaster‑resilient education policies that are still referenced today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why were schools in Odisha closed?

A: The closures were a precautionary measure due to heavy rainfall and flooding risks.

Q2: When will schools reopen in Manipur?

A: All educational institutions are scheduled to resume classes on August 23, 2026.