In a distressing incident today, several students at Moirabari Higher Secondary School in Assam fainted due to the intense heat, underscoring the urgent need for improved facilities in schools amidst rising temperatures. This event, which took place during a severe heat wave affecting the state, has renewed discussions about the impact of extreme weather on classroom conditions.
Students reported that the sweltering heat inside the classrooms caused them to faint. Despite the presence of ceiling fans, the low voltage rendered them ineffective, exacerbating the discomfort from the oppressive heat.
The ongoing heat wave has raised widespread health concerns, with similar incidents occurring in multiple schools across the region. The situation at Moirabari Higher Secondary School highlights the need for immediate action to address the challenges posed by extreme weather, particularly in educational settings.
Following the incident, one student was rushed to Moirabari Rural Hospital for medical attention, while others received care from school staff and were subsequently sent home.
A teacher recounted the incident, saying, “Right before the class was about to finish, one of the students from Class 10 suddenly lost consciousness. Her friends quickly alerted us, and upon reaching her, we observed that she was struggling to breathe properly. I immediately arranged transportation to rush her to the hospital. The doctor reassured us, explaining that her condition was likely a result of the extreme heat and advised us not to worry. They administered oxygen to her promptly. The issue isn’t just about the absence of fans; it’s primarily due to the extremely low voltage, which renders the fans non-functional.”
This incident has raised serious concerns about the adequacy of infrastructure in schools to cope with extreme weather conditions, emphasizing the need for immediate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students.