The Jharkhand government has ordered the closure of schools until October 29 in multiple districts due to heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Arnab. This decision aims to ensure the safety of students and staff as the cyclone impacts weather conditions across the region.
- Schools in Ranchi, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, and Simdega districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29.
- Cyclone Arnab made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast as a very severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds up to 150 kmph.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts for heavy rainfall in several Jharkhand districts.
- District administrations have been instructed to stay vigilant and prepare for adverse weather conditions.
What areas in Jharkhand are affected by the school closures?
Schools in Ranchi, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, and Simdega districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. The closure applies to all government, government-aided, and private schools operating in these districts for classes from kindergarten to 12th grade.
How strong is Cyclone Arnab and where did it make landfall?
Cyclone Arnab made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam early on Wednesday morning. It was classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained wind speeds ranging from 125 to 135 kmph and gusts up to 150 kmph. The landfall process began around 1:20 am, according to the India Meteorological Department.
What kind of weather is Jharkhand experiencing due to the cyclone?
Since Tuesday night, districts like Ranchi, West Singhbhum, and East Singhbhum have been experiencing intermittent rainfall caused by the accumulation of cyclonic clouds. Light rainfall has been reported in many parts of the state, with the intensity expected to increase in the coming days.
What alerts has the India Meteorological Department issued for Jharkhand?
The IMD has issued a yellow alert, which means residents should stay updated, for heavy rainfall in Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Saraikela-Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum districts from 8:30 am on Wednesday for 24 hours.
An orange alert, indicating the need to be prepared, has been issued for Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega, and West Singhbhum districts for 24 hours until 8:30 am on October 30. Additionally, a heavy rainfall alert covers Chatra, Koderma, Hazaribag, Ramgarh, Ranchi, Khunti, Saraikela-Kharsawan, and East Singhbhum for 24 hours starting at 8:30 am on October 29.
What measures are district administrations taking in response to the cyclone?
Jharkhand Disaster Management Minister Irfan Ansari has directed district administrations to remain vigilant and prepared to handle adverse weather conditions. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and are ready to implement safety protocols as needed to protect residents and infrastructure.
The cyclone is expected to impact eight to nine districts in Jharkhand, with the most significant effects anticipated between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. These precautionary steps, including school closures and weather alerts, aim to minimize risks associated with the severe weather.
