Shillong: Schools across Meghalaya have been placed on high alert and directed to implement immediate safety protocols, as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issues severe weather warnings and the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) raises the red flag. The move comes amidst ongoing heavy rainfall that has already lashed most parts of the hill state, prompting urgent action from education authorities.
The Directorate of School Education & Literacy wasted no time, issuing a comprehensive order on Thursday, May 30th, outlining a robust set of measures aimed at safeguarding students from the inclement weather. The directive underscores the government’s commitment to prioritising student well-being during this challenging period.
Deputy Commissioners across all districts have been granted the authority to make on-the-ground assessments and order school closures based on real-time weather reports. Institutions situated perilously close to water bodies, such as rivers, ponds, and lakes, face particular scrutiny, with officials strongly advising their closure “to avoid any untoward incident” and prevent potential mishaps.
Student movement within school premises has been severely curtailed during school hours. The directive explicitly prohibits students from venturing outside the school building, except for washroom visits, and even then, only in small, supervised groups. This strict measure aims to minimise exposure to the harsh weather conditions outside.
Beyond general movement, specific hazards posed by the stormy weather have also been addressed. The order strictly bans students from standing near trees, electric poles, or electrical wires, a crucial step to prevent accidents during high winds and lightning.
The guidelines also extend a crucial lifeline to worried parents during this emergency. Parents opting to collect their children early are now permitted to gather in designated safe areas within school premises, ensuring they remain protected from weather-related dangers while awaiting their wards.
Schools have also been instructed to keep a keen eye on students who arrive at school completely drenched from the rainfall. In such instances, parents are to be promptly contacted for an early pickup, aiming to prevent illnesses and ensure the comfort of the children.
Outdoor activities have been brought to a complete halt. The directive categorically prohibits students from engaging in any form of outdoor play or eating lunch outdoors, acknowledging the prevailing weather conditions make such activities unsafe.
In a move to streamline crisis response, clear emergency contact protocols have been established. Schools can now readily reach the State Emergency Number at 112/1070 or the respective District Emergency Number at 1077. An exception has been made for North Garo Hills, where the dedicated emergency contact remains 9863468868. These comprehensive safety measures underscore the severity of the weather situation across Meghalaya, placing student welfare at the forefront, even if it means disrupting regular academic activities.
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