Bihar: Four schoolgirls fall ill after morning assembly in Supaul amid intense heat
Patna, July 4
Four students of a government girls' middle school in Nirmali, Bihar, fell ill after the morning assembly on Saturday, with one of them requiring hospitalisation. The incident occurred amid prevailing high temperatures and humidity in the region.
According to school authorities, the students complained of dizziness, weakness, and anxiety shortly after the morning prayer assembly concluded and classes were about to begin, causing concern among teachers and other students. The incident took place at the Girls' Middle School in Nirmali town.
Teachers immediately administered first aid to the affected students and shifted them to a well-ventilated area. As one student's condition appeared more serious, she was taken to a nearby nursing home for medical treatment. The remaining three students recovered after receiving first aid, rest, and hydration at the school.
Headmaster Badri Narayan Verma said the school assembly had been conducted as usual on Saturday morning. After the prayer session, students returned to their classrooms, where teachers had begun taking attendance when four students suddenly developed health complaints. School staff responded immediately and initiated emergency measures to assist the students.
News of the incident quickly spread, prompting concerned parents to reach both the school and the nursing home.
According to doctors, the student who was admitted to the hospital responded well to treatment and is now in stable condition and out of danger.
Based on preliminary observations, doctors and school authorities suspect that the students may have fallen ill due to the extreme heat and high humidity prevailing in the area. However, medical professionals said the exact cause can only be confirmed after further examination and observation.
Following the incident, the school administration has directed teachers to remain vigilant about students' health and ensure adequate availability of safe drinking water and other preventive measures during periods of intense heat.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Feeling sad for those innocent girls. But I must appreciate the teachers who acted quickly. In rural areas like Nirmali, even basic hydration facilities are not always available. School should have ORS packets and a cooler at least. Government must ensure proper infrastructure in all govt schools, especially during summers.
This is a clear case of negligence. Every year same story repeats - children fainting in heat. Why can't schools have covered verandahs or indoor assembly spaces? Also, why conduct assembly in direct sun? Students should be allowed to rest in shade. @BiharGovt @EduDept please take note.
As a mother, this is terrifying. My daughter also studies in a government school. We already have heatstroke cases everywhere. Schools should have fans in assembly areas, provide water bottles, and let children wear light cotton clothes. Glad the teachers acted fast but prevention is better than cure.
This is so unfortunate. But I have to point out that in many Bihar schools, there is no drinking water facility or shade. The govt should make it mandatory for all schools to have atleast one water cooler and trees in the premises. Also, can't we have morning assembly for just 5 minutes instead of 15-20? Every minute in this heat matters.
While I understand the concern, let's not blame the school entirely. The headmaster did say they responded immediately. But yes, systemic changes needed - heat action plans, early morning assemblies, and proper hydration stations. Climate change is real and we must adapt. Hope the girl who was hospitalised recovers soon. 🙏
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