Rourkela: All schools across Sundargarh district, including Rourkela, remained closed on Tuesday as heavy rain battered the region, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting normal life in Bonai and adjoining pockets.The district administration ordered the closure as a precautionary measure after India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places and issued a yellow warning for the district.Heavy rain continued through Monday night and Tuesday morning, adding to the impact of earlier spells recorded on Aug 13 and Aug 16. Several low-lying areas in Rourkela were submerged, prompting fire service personnel to carry out dewatering operations in waterlogged localities, including Dandiapalli.The closure order left many parents scrambling. Several students, particularly in private schools, had already reached their campuses before the announcement. Guardians who had dropped their children at school had to return later to bring them home, while students travelling by school buses were sent back.The IMD has forecast continued rainfall activity over the next two days and warned of heavy rain in five western Odisha districts, including Sundargarh.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 service teams were pressed into service to drain out accumulated water. “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.Rainwater flowed across key stretches of the Bonai main road, affecting vehicular movement and raising concerns among local residents. Farmers also expressed worry over possible crop damage as excess water accumulated in agricultural fields.Rising water level of Brahmani river has further heightened concerns in low-lying areas. Market activity, business operations and daily commuting were hit as residents grappled with persistent downpour.