Monsoon safety: A shared responsibility
THE collapse of the roof of the Government Central High School at Attakulangara in Thiruvananthapuram, just as the academic year begins, is a stark reminder that student safety cannot be taken for granted.
What should have been a season of hope, learning and fresh beginnings has instead exposed serious lapses in infrastructure and preparedness.
The incident should serve as an eye-opener for authorities, school managements, and communities across Kerala to reassess the precautions being taken in educational institutions, particularly with the onset of the monsoon.
As the southwest monsoon prepares to sweep across Kerala, bringing much-needed rain and relief from the summer heat, it also brings a season of challenges and risks — especially for school students.
With thousands of children travelling daily to schools, parents, teachers, transport operators and local authorities must work together to ensure their safety.
Students should be encouraged to carry umbrellas or raincoats and wear appropriate footwear to avoid slips and falls on wet surfaces.
Roads become more hazardous during heavy rain, making it essential for children to exercise caution while crossing streets and boarding buses.
School authorities must ensure that school premises, stairways and playgrounds remain safe and free from waterlogging.
Health is another important concern during the monsoon. Waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases often increase during this season. Students should drink clean water, maintain good hygiene and avoid consuming uncovered food from roadside vendors.
Schools should also take preventive measures to keep classrooms and surroundings clean and dry.
Parents should pay close attention to weather warnings and avoid sending children to school during extreme weather events if authorities issue advisories. School bus drivers and private vehicle operators must drive carefully, maintaining reduced speeds and observing all safety regulations.
The monsoon is an integral part of Kerala's life and culture, but it demands vigilance and preparedness. By adopting simple precautions and fostering awareness, we can ensure that students enjoy a safe, healthy and productive school season despite the rains.
The monsoon should be remembered for its beauty and blessings — not for preventable accidents.
The Kerala Police, in coordination with the State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and local bodies, have issued strict instructions and guidelines to prevent and mitigate risks related to heavy rain, flooding and landslides.
1. General Safety and Emergency Precautions
Stay Indoors: Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain or when alerts (yellow/orange/red) are active.
Landslide/Flood Zones: Residents in high-risk, landslide-prone, or flood-prone areas must follow police evacuation orders immediately.
Power and Electric Hazards: Stay away from submerged electrical lines and utility poles. Switch off electrical appliances during lightning.
Avoid Rivers/Streams: Do not cross or bathe in rivers, streams, or canals that are swelling due to heavy rains.
Emergency Contact: Dial 112 or 1077 for immediate police or rescue assistance.
2. Road Safety Guidelines (Monsoon Season)
Driving Precautions: Maintain a 4-6 second gap from the vehicle ahead. Use low-beam headlights and ensure wipers are functioning.
Flooded Roads: "Turn Around, Don't Drown" — do not drive through flooded roads. Even a few inches of flowing water can cause vehicles to stall or sweep them away.
Hazardous Areas: Avoid stopping under trees or near steep slopes, as these are vulnerable to falling branches and landslides.
Night Driving: Exercise extreme caution at night; potholed roads may be hidden by waterlogging.
3. Community and Home Precautions
Pre-Monsoon Cleaning: Clear garbage from drains, canals, and streams in your vicinity to ensure free water flow.
Waste Disposal: Use the services of the Haritha Karma Sena for proper disposal of non-biodegradable waste to prevent water clogging.
Mosquito Control: Eliminate stagnant water around homes to prevent the spread of monsoon-related diseases.
Structure Safety: Ensure that boundary walls, roof sheets and trees near your house are secure.
4. Relief Camp Information
Identify Local Camps: Locate the nearest designated relief camp.
Essential Supplies: Prepare an emergency kit with basic medicines, a flashlight, water and dry food.
Compliance: Follow instructions from local police and disaster management officials regarding the use of relief camps.
Ensuring safe classrooms is not merely an administrative duty — it is the moral responsibility owed to every child.
