Kottayam: The year-end school examinations preceding the summer vacations are invariably held by March or April. Unlike in the past, the summer heat of March has become unusually scorching but several examinations are scheduled in the afternoon much to the distress of examinees.
The examinations of Plus-One (Class 11), Plus-Two (Class 12) classes as well as that for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate for Class 10 are now on in Kerala.
While authorities have cautioned against venturing out during noon, students are left with no option but to rush to the examination centres in the sweltering heat. Teachers on examination duty and parents accompanying students too also sweat it out as they head to school.
Considering the heat wave and risk of sunstroke, public have been advised by the authorities to stay indoors as far as possible from 11 am to 3 pm. But lakhs of students, teachers and parents have to go out under blazing sun on days when exams are held in the afternoon.
Many children who didn’t have adequate water intake suffered from dehydration and heat illnesses after they quickly lost body fluids in hot weather.
All eyes on summer rain
Keralites are hoping for summer rain, which may bring the much-needed respite from the heatwave. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its district-wise prediction, has forecast rains in regions like Kottayam on Wednesday and Thursday. However, experts point out that this is not certain as precipitating clouds are yet to be observed.