Cyclone Arnab: Schools, Colleges Shut Across States in India; Check Dates and Safety Measures

Educational institutions in parts of India have been ordered to remain closed as authorities intensify precautionary measures ahead of Cyclone Arnab, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall, powerful winds and rough sea conditions to vulnerable coastal regions. The Andaman and Nicobar administration has announced a two-day closure of schools on October 26 and 27, while the Odisha government has ordered schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in six southern districts to remain shut on October 28 and 29. The closures have been announced as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of the approaching cyclonic system and its potential impact on coastal areas. Students, parents and educational institutions have been advised to monitor official announcements for further updates on the situation and any changes to the closure orders.

According to the IMD, a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Arnab on Monday, October 26. The weather system is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts as a very severe cyclonic storm by the forenoon of October 28. The system is expected to generate maximum sustained wind speeds of 115 to 125 kilometres per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 140 kilometres per hour.

In Odisha, the school closure order covers six districts in the southern part of the state: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in these districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29 as a precaution against the anticipated effects of the cyclone.

Meanwhile, the Andaman and Nicobar administration has ordered all schools in the Union Territory to remain closed to students on October 26 and 27.

With the cyclone expected to affect parts of the eastern coastline, students and parents in the regions covered by the closure orders should remain alert to announcements from their respective state and Union Territory administrations. Schools and other educational institutions should follow official instructions regarding the suspension of classes and any subsequent changes to the academic schedule.