Bhubaneswar: In view of continuous heavy rainfall across Odisha, the Kandhamal district administration has declared a two-day holiday for all government and private schools on July 2 and July 3 as a precautionary measure.

The decision was announced by the Kandhamal Collector amid persistent rain and forecasts of intensified precipitation across the state.

According to the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, Kandhamal recorded 75.2 mm of rainfall till 8.30 am on July 2. Several other parts of Odisha experienced even heavier showers, with Ambabhona in Bargarh district recording 180 mm, Jujumara in Sambalpur district receiving 130.8 mm, and Atabira in Bargarh district registering 120 mm of rainfall, placing them among the stations that witnessed very heavy rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said an upper air cyclonic circulation persists over North Odisha and adjoining regions. Under its influence, along with the active monsoon trough, rainfall activity is expected to intensify from July 2 across Odisha, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.

Fishermen barred from venturing into sea till July 5

Meanwhile, authorities have also issued a strong advisory to fishermen along the Odisha coast.

The Fisheries Department at Bhogarai in Balasore district has prohibited fishermen from venturing into the sea for four days, beginning July 2, due to forecasts of heavy rain, strong winds and lightning over the Bay of Bengal.

Officials from the Chandaneswar Fisheries Department used public announcement systems to alert fishermen and coastal residents in Udaypur, Talsari, Bichitrapur, Kirtania and other coastal villages about the adverse weather conditions.

The department said rough sea conditions are expected to prevail till July 5, making fishing operations unsafe. Fishermen have been advised to secure their boats and fishing nets at safe locations and avoid entering the sea during the warning period.

Residents of low-lying coastal areas have also been urged to remain vigilant and follow official advisories to ensure the safety of life and property as the spell of heavy rain continues across the state.