Kerala Keeping Schools Closed until May 6 as Heatwave is on the Horizon

Kerala has ordered all educational institutions closed until May 6 amid warnings of intense heatwave conditions. The move aims to protect students and staff from scorching temperatures.

When an intense heatwave is gripping Kerala, all the educational institutions including professional colleges in the state are ordered to be closed until May 6th to protect the students and staff from the intense heat.

It was the decision of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan after he had chaired the State Disaster Management Authority meeting on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heat waves which will be seen in certain districts in the coming few days such as Alappuzha, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Kozhikode.

According to Vijayan, "Temperatures are expected to reach up to 40°C in some areas; thus, the idea of having schools open would result in serious health risks to children and teachers." "In addition to all classes being canceled until May 6, all holiday classes will also be suspended."

Residents have been warned by the CM against going outside from 11 am to 3 pm on Thursday and Friday when temperatures are expected to be at their highest. Construction workers, farmers, and hawkers have been asked to adjust their timings relatively.

The Chief Minister has ordered the authorities to conduct fire safety surveys in places like markets, hospitals, and government buildings that are susceptible. The forest department shall be given orders to avoid forest fires by imposing cattle grazing restrictions during the afternoon time.

Also Read: The Heatwave Continues In Large Parts Of India, Well Over 100 Hospital Cases Are Documented

As Kerala faces the approaching southwest monsoon season, the CM has issued guidelines such as before-monsoon drain cleaning, mosquito control measures, unblocking obstacles near dams and rivers, and identifying relief camps.

"Extreme heat and monsoon preparedness is a joint responsibility of the government and the public", the Chief Minister remarked. The southern state has no intention of doing otherwise and is going to be equally prepared for the upcoming events of the extreme heat and the heavy rains.