Jonai students risk safety crossing Kemi River after bridge destruction

Students in Jonai, Assam, are facing significant safety risks while attempting to reach Kemi-Jelam Middle English School. Following the destruction of a 300-metre-long iron bridge on June 28 due to floodwaters in the Kemi River, many children must now cross the river by boat or on foot.

Assistant teacher Bhagyashree Saikia reported that over half of the school's students reside in three villages across the river. The lack of reliable transportation has led to overcrowded boats, increasing the risk of accidents. When boats are unavailable, students are forced to wade through the river, resulting in wet clothing and damaged school materials, which has negatively impacted attendance.

The bridge failure has also disrupted connectivity between the Kemi-Purana Jelom area and Jonai Sadar, affecting teachers and staff who commute from the opposite side of the river. This incident occurs amidst a broader flood season in Assam; data from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority indicated that floods have claimed 105 lives in the state so far this year.