RAIN HOLIDAY PREVENTS POTENTIAL ACCIDENT AS SCHOOL CEILING COLLAPSES IN KERALA
Incident Details
On August 6, 2025, the gypsum board ceiling of the auditorium at Kodaly Government Upper Primary School in Thrissur, Kerala, collapsed early in the morning. The ceiling, installed beneath a metal sheet roof and constructed in 2023 at a cost of around Rs 54 lakh, gave way inside the area where students usually gather for assemblies.
Fortunately, this significant incident occurred on a scheduled rain holiday, meaning no students or staff were present at the school, thereby preventing any injuries or casualties.
Background and Concerns
Local residents revealed that structural problems with the school building had been noted as early as a decade ago when the school was originally built.
Roughly two months prior to the collapse, during heavy rains, the ceiling had exhibited signs of bulging and damage.
Though repeated complaints were raised by parents and community members about the deteriorating condition and safety hazards, no substantial repairs or preventive measures were reportedly taken by the school authorities.
After the collapse, damaged parts such as ceiling fans were also destroyed, and debris was scattered on the auditorium floor.
Official Response
Panchayat officials and ward members inspected the damage soon after the collapse.
The incident has fueled strong criticism over the quality of construction and maintenance of public infrastructure.
The collapse aligns with the directive of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who recently ordered state disaster management to identify all structurally unsafe public buildings, especially schools and hospitals, and submit reports within two weeks.
Authorities emphasize the importance of carrying out safety checks and necessary demolitions during holidays to ensure no educational disruptions or accidents.
Community Impact
Parents and local leaders are demanding an immediate inquiry into the construction quality and supervision of the school auditorium.
The collapse has intensified concerns about the safety of other school buildings statewide, urging higher vigilance and better infrastructure management.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1: When and where did the school ceiling collapse occur?
The ceiling collapsed on August 6, 2025, at Kodaly Government Upper Primary School in Thrissur, Kerala.
Q2: Were there any injuries reported from the collapse?
No injuries occurred because the incident took place on a rain holiday when the school was closed.
Q3: What caused the ceiling to collapse?
Structural weaknesses flagged over years and recent signs of bulging during heavy rains led to the gypsum board ceiling collapse.
Q4: How old was the collapsed ceiling?
The auditorium ceiling was constructed in 2023, approximately two years before the collapse.
Q5: What has been the response of the authorities?
Local officials inspected the site, and the Kerala government has ordered statewide safety audits of school and hospital buildings.
Published on: August 6, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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