Heavy Rains Force School Closures in Bihar, Mizoram, and Gujarat: Safety Measures Intensified

Schools Closed Across India: Several states across India have ordered the closure of schools due to severe weather conditions, including heavy rains and rising water levels. These measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of students and teachers amid worsening weather conditions.
Patna Schools Closed as Ganga River Water Level Rises
In Patna, Bihar, the district administration has ordered the closure of 76 government schools in rural areas until August 31, 2024, due to the Ganga River crossing the danger mark.The decision was made to protect the safety of students and teachers, as per a circular issued by District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh.
The Bihar government had recently empowered District Magistrates to decide on school closures in case of flood-like situations. This order follows a tragic incident where a government school teacher fell into the Ganga near Patna and was swept away by strong currents, prompting immediate action to safeguard the community.
Mizoram Schools Shut Down Amid Heavy Rains
Meanwhile, in Mizoram, the state government has directed the closure of schools in four districts — Aizawl, Lunglei, Hnahthial, and Mamit — on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, due to heavy rainfall and the resulting inclement weather conditions, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI). Notices from the district administrations warned of landslides, mudslides, and rock falls in several areas, with the possibility of further incidents in the coming days.
Schools in Mizoram were already closed for five consecutive days last week in Aizawl and Kolasib districts and for several days in Siaha district due to similar weather concerns. The state has experienced torrential rains since August 20, 2024, leading to multiple landslides and road blockages. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far. However, since March 2024, at least 42 people have died due to landslides and other natural disasters, according to the state disaster management and rehabilitation department.
School Closures Due to Weather Conditions

Gujarat Schools Closed Due to Heavy Rains
In Gujarat, all primary schools were ordered closed on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, as heavy rains continued across the state, said State Education Minister Praful Pansheriya. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted that Gujarat would experience heavy to extremely heavy rain over the next two to three days, prompting the decision.
The state has faced heavy rainfall for the past two days, resulting in widespread flooding and the displacement of hundreds of residents. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted rescue operations in Valsad, where a pregnant woman was successfully rescued from floodwaters. The water level of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada has also risen due to continuous rains, causing concern among local authorities.
(With inputs from agencies)