Munnar: With just days left for the Onam terminal examinations to begin, most students from the Edamalakudy tribal school are unable to attend classes. A sharp rise in river levels following incessant rain, along with increased sightings of wild animals, has kept students away from school.

The tribal school has around 65 students enrolled across the Lower and Upper Primary sections, with 52 in the LP section. Although 13 new students joined Class 1 this academic year, only three are currently attending. Attendance in the remaining classes has also dropped below 50 per cent. Teachers are now concerned about the feasibility of conducting examinations, as they have been unable to complete the syllabus for this term.

The school is located at Societykudy, which also serves as the panchayat headquarters. Most students study here from neighbouring settlements such as Meenkothi, Nenmanal, Mulakuthara, Keezhpatham, Nooradi, and Parappayar.

However, with the rains intensifying, rivers flowing close to these settlements, such as Njavalar, Manaliyar, and Parappayar, have risen significantly, cutting off access and making it impossible for students to travel to school.