Due to the intense heatwave in Jharkhand, the state government has altered school schedules to aid students, while the Health Department has issued a yellow alert, urging all districts to be on high alert. Starting April 21, all government, government-aided, and private schools in the state will conduct classes in the morning, as per a directive from the School Education and Literacy Department.
Classes for KG to Class 8 will be held from 7 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., while Classes 9 to 12 will run from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. Additionally, teachers and non-teaching staff of government schools will be present from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. for non-teaching duties. The Health Department has raised a yellow alert due to escalating temperatures, with Disaster Management and Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari urging all district administrations to be vigilant and ensure necessary readiness.
The Meteorological Department forecasts temperatures in approximately 10 districts to reach between 40 and 44 degrees Celsius, with a further increase of 3 to 5 degrees expected in the upcoming days. Daltonganj registered the highest temperature in the state at 43.9 degrees Celsius, while Ranchi saw temperatures around 39 degrees Celsius. Authorities have cautioned about potential heatwave conditions in various areas and advised against outdoor activities from 12 noon to 3 p.m., with a risk of strong winds and lightning in some regions.
To address the situation, the Health Department has directed hospitals, community health centers, and primary health centers to maintain sufficient supplies of ORS, IV fluids, and essential medications. Individuals showing signs of heatstroke are urged to seek immediate medical help. District administrations have been instructed to ensure water availability, shaded areas, temporary shelters, and ambulance services. The public is advised to avoid going out on an empty stomach, wear light cotton clothes, and stay hydrated.
