Schools closed on account of high humidity: DM

LUCKNOW: For the first time ever, schools in the city have been closed on account of high humidity. Though orders to this effect were passed by district magistrate Raj Shekhar on Tuesday, the reason was specified only on Wednesday.
Till now, district administration closed the schools usually in extreme winter or summer. The DM’s announcement to close schools surprised school authorities as on Monday, he had asked school authorities to open the school as per their requirements.In a press statement, Shekhar said, “The decision to close the schools till Saturday was taken after studying the weather pattern and forecast given by Indian meteorological department website. After two days of heavy rainfall, if the rainfall doesn’t continue on a regular basis, then high humidity will prevail.”
He further stated that as of now, humidity level stood at nearly 85% and was expected to go up to 90% if it doesn’t rain. “Studies say that more than 60% humidity will have adverse impact on health,” Shekhar said, citing literature from the internet.
The material stated that the body’s natural air conditioner starts to break down because of high humidity, causing side effects. It added that humidity also activates various moulds, harmful bacteria and dust mites.
“Release of mould spores into the air can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, irritate your eyes, nose or throat and bring on a whole bunch of other respiratory problems. This is especially dangerous if one has existing conditions,” it stated.
The DM, however, assured that he was in touch with the schools as well as MET department officials to keep track of the changing weather conditions. “We will take appropriate steps in case weather improves soon,” he said.