Aizawl (Mizoram) [India], April 28 (HBTV): All schools across Aizawl district were ordered closed on Tuesday following heavy rainfall that raised concerns over mudflows, landslides, and rockfalls, authorities said, prioritising student safety amid worsening weather conditions.
According to an official release, 'Due to heavy rainfall in the past few hours within Aizawl district, which could result in mudflow, landslides, rockfall and other calamities in various locations within the district, the undersigned deems it appropriate to close all schools, including higher secondary schools, in the district for the safety and well-being of students.'
'All schools within Aizawl district are hereby instructed to remain closed on April 28, 2026 (Tuesday),' the release added.
On Monday, the Union Health Secretary wrote to all state and Union Territory Chief Secretaries regarding heatwave preparedness, advising them to operationalise dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units at all health facilities, ensure adequate ambulance services, disseminate early warnings for timely action, and enable real-time reporting of heatstroke cases on the Ministry's Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.
According to the communication, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted above-normal heatwave days across several parts of the country from April to June 2026. Regions in East, Central, and North-West India, along with the South-East Peninsula, are likely to experience an increased number of heatwave days.
Coastal areas of Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh are also expected to be significantly affected, while isolated regions of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka may witness similar conditions.
In view of the forecast, states and Union Territories have been urged to ensure preparedness to tackle heat-related illnesses, including setting up dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units, maintaining adequate ambulance services, issuing early warnings, and ensuring real-time reporting of cases on the IHIP portal.
Earlier, the IMD stated that maximum temperatures are in the range of 40–46 degrees Celsius across most parts of the country, except the western Himalayan region, northeast Bihar, and northeast India, where temperatures remain below 36 degrees Celsius. (ANI)