Heatwave forces 5-day school closure in Nepalgunj, Khajura

By Siraj Khan, Nepalgunj, June 10: Local authorities in Banke district have begun closing schools as an intense heatwave and hot winds have pushed temperatures to extreme levels in the region.

In response, both Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City and Khajura Rural Municipality have decided to shut schools for five days. Earlier, Kohalpur Municipality had already announced a three-day school closure.

According to the Education, Youth and Sports Section of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, the decision was taken after children began falling ill due to the extreme heat.

Section Chief Gorkha Bahadur Thapa said that a meeting of the municipal disaster management committee decided to close all schools in Nepalgunj from Tuesday, June 9, to Sunday, June 14, as the rising temperatures were severely affecting students.

He added that a public notice had been issued after increasing health problems were witnessed among children due to the heatwave, leading to the week-long closure of all schools.

Similarly, Khajura Rural Municipality’s Education Section also issued a notice on Tuesday announcing a five-day holiday from Wednesday, June 10, to Sunday, June 14.

Education Section Chief Khagendra Bahadur Malla said the decision was made because children’s health was being adversely affected due to extreme heat.

Meanwhile, Kohalpur Municipality   had already implemented a three-day school closure starting Tuesday. Local authorities have indicated that the heat holiday may be extended depending on weather conditions. With temperatures continuing to rise, other municipalities in the district are also preparing to announce school closures.

Earlier, parents had demanded a temporary shutdown of schools for a few days, citing concerns over children’s health.