Floods Strand 312 Students, 10 Teachers in Odisha School

At least 312 students and 10 teachers from a government-run residential school for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities in Odisha's Kendrapara district have been stranded for two days after floodwaters from the Brahmani River inundated their campus. The flooding occurred on Sunday, August 16, when the river, swollen by relentless rainfall, overflowed its banks and surrounded the Kulasahi Ashram School in the low-lying Pattamundai block. With the ground floor submerged, all inmates were forced to move to the first floor of the two-story building, where they remain trapped with the school surrounded by nearly 10 feet of water.

Officials have confirmed that the students and staff are safe, though access to the school remains cut off by strong currents. "The school building is battling a strong current," said one stranded teacher, expressing concern over the situation. Rescue operations have been hampered by the turbulent waters, which have also made it difficult for boats carrying relief supplies to navigate the area. A fire service team with a boat has been deployed nearby and is on standby should evacuation become necessary.

The Pattamundai Block Education Officer,...