With an unprecedented heat wave sweeping across the coastal Odisha and day time temperature in western parts continuing to remain constantly over 40 degrees Celsius, the State government on Monday instructed all schools to suspend classes till April 20.
“The India Meteorological Centre predicted that heat wave conditions would prevail for a week. Under such gruelling heat, it is better to take precautions and allow parents to keep their wards at home,” informed Special Relief Commissioner Pradipta Mohapatra here.
Mr. Mohapatra said: “Schools will have to reschedule ongoing examinations. Authorities have been asked to conduct examinations either during morning hour or in the evening. But All-India examinations would continue as per the schedule.”
“The government will take a call about extending the class suspension after April 20 depending on the scenario,” said the Special Relief Commissioner.
Meanwhile, the Revenue and Disaster Management has received unconfirmed reports of 19 heat stroke deaths. The day time temperature in coastal Odisha is recorded four to five degrees higher than normal temperature while in the western districts, the deviation is around one to two degrees Celsius.
