A severe cold wave and dense fog have forced authorities in Chhattisgarh to shut down schools for young children. The Surguja division has declared holidays for students from Class 1 to 5 across all districts, impacting both private and government institutions.
School Closure Order and IMD Alert
The decision, announced on Tuesday, will keep primary schools closed until January 10. This step was taken in response to the harsh winter conditions sweeping across northern parts of the state. The order from the Surguja division education department clarified that while classes for these young students are suspended, all other educational work will continue. School staff and teachers are required to be present as scheduled but have been advised to take necessary precautions during the peak winter period.
This administrative move comes alongside a fresh alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather office has warned of a sharp chill and poor visibility persisting until Thursday across northern and central districts of Chhattisgarh. The forecast predicts cold wave conditions at isolated pockets in multiple districts, accompanied by moderate to dense fog in several northern areas.
Affected Districts and Weather Forecast
The cold grip is expected to be particularly harsh in a long list of districts. According to the IMD, the following areas are likely to experience cold wave conditions at isolated locations:
- Surguja, Jashpur, Surajpur, Balrampur, Koriya
- Manendragarh–Chirmiri–Bharatpur
- Raipur, Balodabazar, Gariyaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund
- Khairagarh–Chuikhadan–Gandai, Rajnandgaon, Mohla–Manpur–Ambagarh Chowki
- Durg, Balod, Kabirdham, and Bemetara
The Met Centre has specifically alerted residents to brace for a marked fall in night temperatures and a biting chill during the early morning and late evening hours. In north Chhattisgarh, minimum temperatures have already slipped to near 4 degrees Celsius, with dense fog blanketing large areas, severely reducing visibility.
Essential Health and Safety Precautions
Authorities are urging people to take the weather warnings seriously and follow essential safety guidelines. On the health front, citizens are told to watch for early signs of cold-related illnesses like frostbite or hypothermia. Key symptoms to look out for include numbness and paling of fingers, toes, and the nose.
For those who must travel, the advisory is strict. Motorists are instructed to:
- Use fog lamps and low-beam headlights.
- Drive at slow speeds.
- Avoid sudden braking.
- Stick to their lane diligently.
Cyclists have been advised to use reflectors or lights, and pedestrians are encouraged to keep to footpaths for their safety. The combination of cold wave and dense fog presents a dual challenge of health risks and transportation hazards, making public awareness and caution paramount for the next few days.
