The Odisha government has announced that all schools in eight southern districts will be closed from October 28 to October 30, 2025 . This important step is being taken because of Cyclone Montha , which is heading towards India's east coast. The main goal is to keep students and staff safe from the heavy rain and strong winds expected during the cyclone.
The School and Mass Education Department made this official announcement. All government, government-aided, and private schools in these areas must follow the order. This decision helps avoid any risks to children who might otherwise travel to school in dangerous weather conditions.
Affected Districts in Odisha
Schools will remain shut in the following eight districts :
- Malkangiri
- Koraput
- Rayagada
- Ganjam
- Gajapati
- Kandhamal
- Kalahandi
- Nabarangpur
These districts are located in the southern part of Odisha and are expected to face the impact of Cyclone Montha. The holiday ensures that everyone in these regions stays safe indoors.
Cyclone Montha: Path and Impact
Cyclone Montha is currently over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), our country's weather agency, confirmed this. The cyclone is moving towards the coast at about 16 kilometers per hour , in a west-northwest direction. The IMD expects Cyclone Montha to grow stronger and become a severe storm .
It is predicted to hit the coast between Machilipatnam and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. This landfall is likely to happen on the evening or night of October 28, 2025 . Although the direct impact is in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha will also feel the effects, especially in its southern parts, with strong winds and heavy rainfall. The latest update showed the cyclone was about 850 kilometers south of Gopalpur , a town in Odisha.
Government Preparedness and Safety Measures
To ensure quick action during the cyclone, the Odisha government has canceled all holidays for its officials and staff in the affected School and Mass Education and Ganashiksha departments. This means these government workers must be present and ready to assist with any cyclone-related tasks.
Authorities have also urged all schools to strictly follow the closure order. They have also asked parents to keep their children safely indoors during this period of bad weather. Staying inside is crucial to avoid any accidents from strong winds, falling objects, or floods.
The state government is fully prepared to handle the cyclone. They have started moving people from low-lying areas and hilly regions, which are more likely to be affected by floods or landslides. These people are being taken to safer places like cyclone shelters, where they will be provided with food and basic needs.
To support rescue and relief efforts, more than 5,000 workers from special teams have been deployed. These teams include the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). They are fully prepared to help anyone affected by the storm and to provide emergency support, including clearing roads and restoring power.
Actions in Andhra Pradesh
Neighboring state, Andhra Pradesh , is also taking strong steps to prepare for Cyclone Montha. They have also closed schools in areas along their coast. Additionally, to keep people safe, all fishing activities in the sea have been stopped until the cyclone passes. These steps show how serious the situation is and how important it is for everyone to be careful. Both states are working together to ensure the safety of their citizens as Cyclone Montha approaches.
