Due to a severe heatwave gripping Guwahati, India, all schools in the Kamrup (Metro) district, which encompasses the city, will be closed for four days, from September 24th to 27th. The district elementary education officer (DEEO) announced the closure on Monday, citing numerous reports of students falling ill and fainting due to excessive heat and dehydration.
In an official order, the DEEO stated, “It has been decided that all Govt/Provincialized/Private schools functioning under Kamrup Metro district are to remain closed from 24th to 27th September 2024 due to excessive heat and rising temperature.” The decision was made to protect students from the harmful effects of extreme heat exposure.
On Sunday, Guwahati reached a scorching 37.9 degrees Celsius, a significant 5.9 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature also registered 3.8 degrees above normal, reaching 28.2 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) regional center has predicted a break in the heatwave, forecasting generally cloudy skies for the next two to three days with occasional spells of rain or thundershowers in Guwahati.
The recent heatwave had prompted authorities to implement measures to safeguard students’ well-being. Last week, school timings were adjusted in several districts, including Kamrup Metropolitan, Cachar, and Barpeta, due to the sweltering conditions. The DEEO order dated September 20th had announced the early start and ending times for schools.
On Friday, the Assam government issued comprehensive guidelines, including revised school hours, aimed at protecting students from the heatwave’s adverse effects.
