Sundargarh Shuts All Schools After Heavy Rain Floods Rourkela, Bonai
Sundargarh district closed all schools on Tuesday after heavy rain flooded Rourkela and Bonai, disrupting normal life.
All schools in Sundargarh district, including Rourkela, remained closed on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2026, after heavy rain and an India Meteorological Department yellow warning triggered flooding, disrupting normal life and prompting dewatering operations.
The district administration ordered the closure as a precaution after rainfall on Aug 13 and Aug 16 was followed by fresh showers on Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Fire service personnel carried out dewatering in waterlogged localities such as Dandiapalli in Rourkela and across Bonai subdivision, where offices of the child development project officer, block education officer, Integrated Tribal Development Agency and TPWODL’s sub-divisional office were inundated.
Why were schools closed in Sundargarh?
The India Meteorological Department forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places and issued a yellow warning for Sundargarh district. The district administration ordered schools to stay closed as a precaution. Heavy rain continued through Monday night and Tuesday morning, adding to the impact of earlier spells recorded on Aug 13 and Aug 16.
Which areas experienced flooding and disruption?
Low-lying areas in Rourkela, including Dandiapalli, were submerged, prompting fire service personnel to carry out dewatering operations.
In Bonai subdivision, incessant rain since Monday night flooded roads, offices and public buildings. Water entered offices of the child development project officer, block education officer, Integrated Tribal Development Agency and TPWODL’s sub-divisional office, disrupting official work.
Fire officer S Hembrum of Bonai fire station said, “After receiving information, we carried out dewatering in the affected areas and are keeping a close watch on the situation due to the continuing rainfall.”
Rainwater also flowed across key stretches of the Bonai main road, affecting vehicular movement. Farmers expressed worry over possible crop damage as excess water accumulated in agricultural fields. Rising water level of the Brahmani river heightened concerns in low-lying areas, hitting market activity, business operations and daily commuting.
What is the outlook for rainfall and response efforts?
The IMD has forecast continued rainfall activity over the next two days and warned of heavy rain in five western Odisha districts, including Sundargarh.
Fire service teams remain engaged in draining water from flooded localities. Officials continue to monitor the situation as residents cope with persistent downpour.
Why were schools closed in Sundargarh on Aug 18, 2026?
Due to heavy rain and an India Meteorological Department yellow warning, the district administration ordered closure as a precaution.
Which areas in Sundargarh experienced flooding?
Low-lying areas in Rourkela, including Dandiapalli, and Bonai subdivision faced flooding, with roads, offices and public buildings inundated.
What impact did the flooding have on Bonai subdivision offices?
Water entered offices of the child development project officer, block education officer, Integrated Tribal Development Agency and TPWODL’s sub-divisional office, disrupting official work.
What did the fire officer of Bonai fire station say about the situation?
“After receiving information, we carried out dewatering in the affected areas and are keeping a close watch on the situation due to the continuing rainfall,” said S Hembrum, fire officer of Bonai fire station.
What is the IMD’s forecast for the coming days?
The IMD forecast continued rainfall activity over the next two days and warned of heavy rain in five western Odisha districts, including Sundargarh.
How did the rising Brahmani river affect the situation?
Rising water level of the Brahmani river heightened concerns in low-lying areas, affecting market activity, business operations and daily commuting.
What were the concerns of farmers in the region?
Farmers expressed worry over possible crop damage as excess water accumulated in agricultural fields.
What actions did fire service personnel take?
Fire service personnel carried out dewatering operations in waterlogged localities such as Dandiapalli in Rourkela and across Bonai subdivision.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
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