Bihar Heatwave: Over 100 Students Faint, Schools Shut Until June 8

In a distressing turn of events, the oppressive heatwave in Bihar has led to more than 100 students fainting, prompting the state government to shut down schools until June 8. The heatwave, which has gripped several parts of India, has pushed temperatures to alarming levels, causing widespread health concerns among the student population.

On a particularly hot day, multiple schools across Bihar reported incidents of students collapsing due to heat exhaustion. The state capital, Patna, along with other districts like Gaya and Bhagalpur, saw the highest number of affected students. In one incident, over 40 students from a single school in Gaya were reported to have fainted.

The Education Department of Bihar quickly swung into action, issuing an order to close all schools up to Class 12 until June 8. This decision aims to safeguard the health and well-being of students during this period of extreme temperatures. Schools have been instructed to monitor the health of students and report any further incidents promptly.

Health experts have attributed the spate of fainting incidents to dehydration and prolonged exposure to high temperatures. They have advised parents to ensure their children stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during the peak heat hours, typically from 11 AM to 4 PM. Doctors also recommend wearing light, breathable clothing and consuming plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids.

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning that the heatwave conditions are likely to persist for the next few days. Temperatures in many parts of Bihar have soared above 40 degrees Celsius, with no immediate respite in sight. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged the public to take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.

In light of these events, several schools have also initiated awareness programs to educate students and parents about the dangers of heat waves and how to stay safe. These programs emphasize the importance of recognizing the symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, headache, and excessive sweating, and taking immediate action to cool down and hydrate.

The state government is also coordinating with local health departments to provide necessary medical support to affected students. Emergency medical teams have been deployed to schools to handle any health emergencies, and hospitals are on high alert to treat cases of heatstroke and other related conditions.

The closure of schools has brought some relief to worried parents, who had been concerned about their children’s safety in the scorching heat. However, it has also raised concerns about the continuity of education, as the academic calendar has already been disrupted by the prolonged summer vacation.

Education officials are working on strategies to mitigate the impact of the closure on students’ learning. Plans include extending school hours once they reopen and potentially conducting extra classes to cover the lost curriculum. The government is also exploring the possibility of online classes if the heatwave conditions persist.

As Bihar grapples with the severe heatwave, the focus remains on ensuring the health and safety of students. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, likely exacerbated by climate change. The state’s response, involving timely school closures and health advisories, highlights the importance of preparedness and proactive measures in mitigating the impacts of such natural calamities.