At least 76 government schools in the rural areas of Patna have been closed till August 31 amid the rising water level of the Ganga which crossed the danger mark in the state capital.
The order has been issued by the Patna district administration, saying the decision is taken considering the safety of both school staff and students.
According to a circular issued on Tuesday by the District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh, "Total 76 government schools in eight blocks of Patna district will remain closed till August 31 given the rising trend of water level in the Ganga river".
The Bihar government had recently authorised DMs to take a call on the closing of schools if a flood-like situation arose in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
The order also comes close on the heels of a government school teacher falling into the Ganga near Patna and getting swept away by strong currents.