The Odisha government Thursday authorised the district collectors to close schools, if incessant rain continues in the state due to cyclonic storm "Hudhud".
School and Mass Education Secretary Usha Padhee said the district collectors were authorised to close the schools wherever needed.
The cyclonic storm is likely to hit the Odisha coast Oct 12.
Since Oct 12 is Sunday, they can close schools in the coming days if rain continues, said Padhee.
Issuing a letter to the district collectors and directors of the department, Padhee said the schools can be used for sheltering the people likely to be affected by the cyclonic storm.
The secretary asked the collectors to provide food stocks available in schools under the mid-day meal scheme for the rehabilitation and feeding of affected persons during the exigency.