Schools in Dang, Nepal Close for Five Days Due to Extreme Heat

In response to soaring temperatures, schools in the Ghoraahi and Tulsipur municipalities of Dang, Nepal, have been closed for five days starting Friday. Local authorities made this decision as temperatures reached a blistering 40.2°C, posing health risks, especially for students.

The closure affects all community and institutional schools in these municipalities, with the aim of preventing heat-related health complications among students. Man Bahadur Rawat, Coordinator of the Social Development Committee, stated, "Schools have been instructed to suspend teaching and learning activities during this period."

Chakra Bahadur Bhandari, Chief of the Education Division of the Sub-Metropolitan City, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that the decision came after temperatures in the Dang district exceeded 39 degrees Celsius. "A meeting of the municipal education committee decided to close all community and institutional schools in Tulasipur after temperatures in the Dang district exceeded 39 degrees Celsius," Bhandari explained.

The extreme heat is part of a broader trend affecting various regions in Nepal, with temperatures sharply rising across the country. In the Tarai districts, discomfort is particularly pronounced. For instance, temperatures in Nepalgunj have reached 41.2 degrees Celsius, while Sadepani of Kailali has recorded a high of 42.5 degrees Celsius.

The decision to close schools in Dang resulting from extreme heat highlights the urgent need for authorities to address the impact of climate change on daily life and public health. If left unaddressed, extreme weather conditions can lead to serious health complications, economic losses, and disruptions to vital services.

Weather conditions in Nepal are currently influenced by a combination of local winds, the Westerly wind, and a low-pressure system centered around Bihar, India. This has resulted in partly cloudy to mainly fair weather conditions across the country, with Koshi Province and hilly regions experiencing more cloud cover.

Amid these conditions, residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the extreme heat. The monsoon season, expected to arrive in about a week, may bring some relief but is also likely to cause temperatures to rise further before the rains set in.

The decision to close schools in Dang highlights the urgent need to address the impact of extreme weather conditions on daily life and public health. As temperatures continue to rise, local authorities remain vigilant, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the community.

Key Takeaways

• Schools in Ghoraahi and Tulsipur, Nepal closed for 5 days due to extreme heat.
• Temperatures reached 40.2°C, posing health risks to students.
• Closure aims to prevent heat-related health complications among students.
• Extreme heat is part of a broader trend affecting various regions in Nepal.
• Authorities advised residents to stay hydrated and take precautions against heat.