In response to the intense heatwave conditions gripping the state, the Bihar government has mandated the closure of all private and government-run schools, coaching institutes, and anganwadi centres until June 8. The decision, announced on Wednesday, follows reports of several students fainting due to the extreme temperatures.

Chief Secretary Brajesh Mehrotra directed district magistrates to ensure compliance with the closure order. The directive highlights that many districts in Bihar, including Gaya, Aurangabad, and Kaimur, have recorded temperatures exceeding 46 degrees Celsius in recent days.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) officials, in a meeting with the Disaster Management Group (CMG) on May 29, predicted that the heatwave conditions are likely to persist until June 8. Based on this forecast, the government decided to close all educational institutions from May 30, 2024, to June 8, 2024, to safeguard the health of students.

Earlier on Wednesday, at least 50 students fainted at Mankaul Middle School in the Ariari block of Sheikhpura district due to the extreme heat. The incident began with six students collapsing during a morning assembly for prayers, and subsequently, many more students fainted, causing chaos in the school and surrounding village.

Similar incidents were reported in other districts. In Begusarai district, six students from Matihani Middle School also fainted due to the heat and were taken to Matihani PHC hospital for treatment.

According to the IMD, the maximum temperatures across Bihar on Tuesday ranged between 40 and 44 degrees Celsius. The department has issued a warning for continued heatwave-like conditions in the state.