Schools in eight districts of Chhattisgarh have been closed amid incessant heavy rainfall, flooding and waterlogging that have disrupted normal life in several parts of the state. District administrations have declared holidays for government and private schools in Dantewada, Bijapur, Kondagaon, Kanker, Bastar, Gariaband, Dhamtari and Durg because of the prevailing weather conditions.
The decision has been taken as heavy rain continues to affect road connectivity and low lying areas. Rivers, streams and other water bodies have risen following the prolonged rainfall, while floodwater has entered residential areas in some locations. The weather situation has also affected transportation in several parts of the state, particularly in the Bastar region.
The school closure is aimed at reducing the risk to students during the ongoing spell of severe weather. Both government and private schools in the eight districts have been covered by the district level orders. Parents and students have been advised to follow further announcements from local administrations and individual schools regarding the reopening of classes.
The authorities have also postponed quarterly examination papers that were scheduled in government schools in the affected areas. This means students who were expected to appear for examinations during the closure will have to wait for further instructions regarding revised examination dates. The postponement is linked to the disruption caused by heavy rainfall, flooding and difficult travel conditions.
The Bastar region has experienced some of the most significant effects of the current rainfall. Several local streams have overflowed, resulting in water entering roads and residential areas. In Jagdalpur, floodwater entered houses in low lying colonies, while sections of National Highway 30 were submerged. The flooding disrupted vehicle movement between Raipur and Jagdalpur and created difficulties for people travelling through the affected areas.
Several villages in Sukma and Bijapur have also been affected by floodwater. Reports said some remote settlements were cut off because of rising water levels and disrupted road links. Local authorities have warned residents against going near swollen rivers, streams, drains and other water bodies during the current spell of heavy rain.
An alert has also been issued for low lying and riverside areas along the Indravati River near Jagdalpur. Officials have been directed to remain in the field and monitor the situation. The administration is keeping track of vulnerable locations and road conditions as rainfall continues across different parts of the state.
Dhamtari has also recorded a significant rise in reservoir levels following continuous rainfall. According to information reported from the state administration, the Gangrel reservoir was at 98.14 percent of its capacity, while Murumsilli was at full capacity. Dudhawa stood at 97.21 percent and Sondhur at 88.18 percent. Authorities released water from Gangrel to manage rising inflows, with officials indicating that additional releases could be required depending on the rainfall and water levels.
The impact of the rainfall has not been limited to the eight districts where schools were closed. Parts of the Raipur, Bastar and Durg divisions have also reported waterlogging and disruption. Rajnandgaon, Mohla Manpur Ambagarh Chowki and Khairagarh Chhuikhadan Gandai have been receiving continuous rainfall, while waterlogging has affected traffic movement on some important roads.
The current weather system has also resulted in warnings for further rainfall. The Meteorological Centre in Raipur has forecast light to moderate rain at most places across Chhattisgarh, with isolated heavy rainfall and thunderstorms possible. This forecast has prompted local authorities to continue monitoring vulnerable areas and maintain preparedness for further weather related disruption.
The rainfall situation has also affected the overall movement of people and vehicles. Waterlogged roads and submerged stretches can make school transportation difficult and increase the risks associated with travelling during heavy rain. The closure of schools therefore provides students with a temporary break from travelling through areas where flooding or waterlogging has been reported.
According to state rainfall data reported on September 25, Chhattisgarh had received 1,082.4 millimetres of average rainfall between June 1 and September 25. This was about 100.1 percent of the state's 10 year seasonal average of 1,081.5 millimetres. The state had also received an average of 52.8 millimetres of rainfall in the 24 hours preceding 8 am on September 25.
Although the overall seasonal rainfall for the state has been close to normal, the latest intense spell has caused localised flooding and significant disruption in several areas. Rainfall levels can vary considerably between districts, meaning some regions can experience flooding even when the statewide seasonal average remains close to normal.
The school holiday is particularly important for students living in low lying and flood affected areas. In places where roads have been submerged or villages have become temporarily isolated, regular travel to school may not be possible. District administrations have therefore taken precautionary measures based on local conditions.
Parents should rely on official announcements from their district administration and schools for information about the reopening of classes. They should also verify revised examination dates before sending students to appear for postponed quarterly examinations. Since the current weather situation remains active, further changes may be announced depending on rainfall and local flood conditions.
Students should avoid unnecessary travel near flooded roads, rivers, streams and other water bodies. Families in vulnerable areas should follow instructions issued by local authorities, especially if water levels rise or road connectivity is affected.
The current situation also highlights the importance of monitoring official weather alerts during periods of intense rainfall. Heavy rain can quickly lead to waterlogging, overflowing drains and rivers, road closures and interruptions to public transport. Authorities are continuing to monitor these conditions across the affected districts.
The closure of schools in Dantewada, Bijapur, Kondagaon, Kanker, Bastar, Gariaband, Dhamtari and Durg is therefore a precautionary measure taken in response to the ongoing weather conditions. Quarterly examinations scheduled in government schools in the affected areas have also been postponed.
With more rainfall possible in parts of Chhattisgarh, district administrations are expected to continue monitoring roads, rivers, reservoirs and low lying areas. Students and parents should wait for official instructions regarding the next school day and the revised examination schedule.
Overall, schools in eight districts of Chhattisgarh have been closed because heavy rain, flooding and waterlogging have disrupted normal life and transportation. The affected districts are Dantewada, Bijapur, Kondagaon, Kanker, Bastar, Gariaband, Dhamtari and Durg. Quarterly examinations in affected government schools have also been postponed. Authorities are monitoring the weather, flood situation and road connectivity as further rainfall remains possible across parts of the state.
