Malkangiri: The heavy rainfall triggered due to low pressure has been wreaking havoc in the tribal-dominated Malkangiri district.
While many villages have been submerged due to flash floods, the asbestos of several schools have blown away.
Majority of the schools in the district project the picture of crumbling buildings and leaky roofs after heavy rains.
A case in point is the plight of students at Mudulipada in Bondaghat of Malkangiri district. The heavy rain accompanied by gusty surface wind blew away the school roof, putting the lives of students at risk.
The school building looks like an open hall with all the asbestos blown away. Left with no other option, the students are forced to take their classes at the school hostel. But with dripping roofs, leaky walls and water seeping in through the floor, their dingy hostel is no better.
Reports suggested that the Nor’wester had earlier wreaked havoc in the locality.
However, no steps were taken to renovate the school building.
Guardians held the administration responsible for the dilapidated condition of the school.
“Why would parents send their children to class rooms with no basic facilities,” a local asked.
Earlier, a minor class III girl died due to wall collapse in a school in Bargarh while two of her friends were rendered critical.
“Even though classes are being held in the hostel, water gets clogged into the hostel rooms too. So, the students have to take their classes sitting on their cots,” a local said.
The students also face problem in drinking water as the only tubewell in the school premises is lying defunct.
Meanwhile Malkangiri sub collector Lingaraj Panda said repair work of the school will be carried out soon.
