An ongoing heatwave across the Terai and other regions has forced multiple local governments in Nepal to suspend classes for several days, as temperatures continue to soar, posing serious health risks to students.
In Biratnagar Metropolitan City, Morang, schools were closed from Jestha 28 to 30 as announced by Chief Administrative Officer Ram Prasad Dhungel. The closure was planned to be shortened if rainfall provided relief.
Similarly, Pokhariya Municipality in Parsa and Kalaiya Sub-Metropolitan City in Bara suspended classes for three days, with schools reopening from Asar 1. Officials cited concerns over the adverse effects of extreme heat on student well-being.
Earlier, Bharatpur Metropolitan City in Chitwan had also implemented a three-day closure, while Ratnanagar Municipality issued a one-day closure as temperatures reached 37°C. Authorities emphasized the decisions were taken to safeguard students amid the severe heatwave.
Birgunj Metropolitan City in Parsa also had initially declared a two-day heat holiday on Jestha 29 and 30. However, as temperatures remained high, the city has now extended school closures for six more days from Asar 1 to 6 to protect students’ health. Anand Lamichhane, head of Birgunj’s Education Administration, said the decision aligns with the annual leave schedule.
Bardibas Municipality in Mahottari has also closed all schools for three days from Asar 1 to 3 due to extreme heat and hot winds. The closure applies to all community, institutional, and religious schools. According to Chief Administrative Officer Revati Prasad Parajuli, the decision aims to protect students' health, with the missed days to be adjusted from the 2082 academic year's summer vacation. Temperatures have remained between 40 to 42°C for the past two weeks, particularly affecting young children.
Many of the local governments have also urged parents to keep children indoors, avoid outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours, and refrain from swimming or fishing in rivers and ponds for safety.
As the heatwave continues to affect normal life across Nepal’s Terai and inner Terai regions, more districts are expected to follow with similar decisions in the coming days.
