50 students faint due to heatwave conditions in Bihar school

On May 29, 50 students of Madhya Vidyalaya Mankaul School fainted in Bihar's Sheikhpura district, prompting urgent medical attention. The incident has raised concerns about the effects of rising temperatures on classroom settings during a heatwave.

Dr. Rajnikanth Kumar from Sadar Hospital Sheikhpura said, "The rising temperature is causing difficulties for students. Those in the hospital are stable." Dr. Satyendra emphasized the importance of students staying hydrated and minimizing exposure to the heat.

50 students fainted in Bihar due to heatwave 

The Head Master of Middle School Mankaul, Suresh Prasad, revealed that students collapsed during assembly prayers due to extreme heat. Despite immediate first aid, students continue to struggle with the challenging conditions.

Students blamed their fainting on high temperatures, worsened by ineffective fans due to low voltage.

As heatwaves impact on educational institutions grows, authorities are urged to implement measures ensuring students' well-being and comfort during adverse weather.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav criticized Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for recent student faintings due to extreme heat. Yadav denounced the government's inefficiency, alleging an overbearing bureaucracy and weak leadership unable to address pressing concerns such as school timings in scorching temperatures.

"The governance in Bihar lacks both government and democracy, overshadowed by bureaucracy. The CM's authority is so feeble that even basic directives regarding school hours go unheard. With temperatures at 47 degrees and scorching winds, the least we can expect is respite for young children." He criticized the inadequate school infrastructure in Bihar, emphasizing the lack of authority within the CM's purview to address such issues.

How to protect children from heatwave?

During a heatwave, it's crucial to protect children from dehydration and heat-related illnesses. They're especially vulnerable to excessive heat, so it's important to watch for signs of dehydration like dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and dark urine, especially during outdoor activities.

• Stay hydrated: Children should drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if they're running around. Babies and young children may not be able to tell you they're thirsty, so it's important to make sure they're getting enough to drink.
• Dress appropriately: Children should wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton. Avoid synthetic materials, which trap heat and can be uncomfortable. Children should also wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. For children older than six months, sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher should be applied every two hours. Children under six months should stay shaded at all times and should not wear sunscreen.
• Schedule outdoor activities:  When it's hot or humid, try to schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening.
• Take breaks: Teach children to come inside, rest, and hydrate right away if they feel overheated.
• Stay indoors: Close windows, blinds, and curtains early in the day, and keep outside doors shut. If you have air conditioning, use it to keep your home cool. You can also plan indoor activities and games, and limit screen time.

Bihar continues to grapple with severe heat, with day temperatures exceeding 44 degrees Celsius in multiple regions. Aurangabad recorded the highest temperature of the season at 47.7 degrees Celsius, as confirmed by Ashish Kumar, an IMD scientist in Patna. The Meteorological Department forecasts continued heatwave conditions, warranting heightened precautions to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations.