Ranchi: The Met office has forecast isolated heavy rainfall in Chatra, Latehar, Palamu and Garhwa on Saturday as a depression persists over south Odisha and adjoining south Chhattisgarh.In its bulletin, the weather office forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph at isolated places across the state on Saturday. Similar conditions are likely to continue on Sunday.The East Singhbhum administration has declared a holiday on Saturday for all govt, private and minority schools up to Class 12 in view of the IMD’s forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the district. Schools have been directed to comply with the order and conduct online classes to ensure academic activities are not disrupted.The weather office warned that strong winds and rain could break tree branches and uproot small trees, including banana, papaya and drumsticks. Plantations, horticulture and standing crops may also suffer damage, while vulnerable structures could face partial damage due to heavy rain and strong winds.Residents have been advised to monitor weather updates, remain prepared to move to safer locations if conditions worsen and stay indoors or in secure shelters during intense spells.Ranchi Met office head Baburaj PP said no alerts or warnings had been issued beyond Sunday for now, as the deep depression is expected to weaken and the inclement weather is likely to gradually subside across Jharkhand.(With inputs from B Sridhar in Jamshedpur)
