Half-day schools in AP for one week due to heatwave

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh government has announced that schools shall run half-day from this Monday up to Saturday, June 17, in view of the severe heat wave conditions. Schools would run as per schedule from June 19. School education commissioner S. Suresh Kumar issued an order to this effect on Sunday.

It said, “Keeping in view the recommendations made by the director of the health and family welfare department and the weather predictions from AP State Disaster Management Authority, the government has decided to change the timing of schools from 7.30 am to 11.30 am from June 12 to 17.”

Ragi java would be served to the students between 8 30 am and 9 am and the mid-day meals between 11.30 am and 12 noon.

“All government, private and aided schools under all managements and boards shall abide by these timings. Various activities in government schools shall be taken up as follows from June 12 to 17: From June 19, the schools shall function as per the timetable in the Academic Calendar 2023-24,” it said.

The order explained that the director of health, Mangalagiri, Amaravati, has cited  central government advisories to protect people from Heat Related Illnesses (HRI).

It stated that the adverse health impacts of heat waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It explained the measures to be taken in such conditions: Move the person to a cool place under the shade, give water or a rehydrating drink (if the person is still conscious), fan the person, consult a doctor if symptoms get worse or are long lasting or the person is unconscious and cool the person by putting a cool wet cloth on his/her face/body, and loosen clothes for better ventilation.