DARBHANGA, Dec. 30 -- Severe cold wave gripping north Bihar has forced respective district administrations in Darbhanga, Madhubani and Samastipur to extend the suspension of academic activities for students of Classes I to VIII, citing serious concerns over children's health and safety. In Darbhanga and Madhubani, academic activities for Classes I to VIII in all government and private schools, including pre-schools and coaching institutes, will remain suspended till December 31. Officials said the decision was taken in view of persistently low temperatures and cold wave conditions that posed health risks to young children. In Madhubani, the district education officer said the order was issued on the directions of the district magistrate, prioritising child safety amid the prevailing weather conditions. Government schools in the district were already closed till the end of the year, while the fresh directive brings private institutions under its ambit as well. A similar order has been enforced in Darbhanga, where private schools, pre-schools and coaching centres have been directed to suspend classes for the specified grades till December 31 due to a steady fall in temperatures. In Samastipur, however, the closure has been extended for a longer period. Citing severe cold conditions, district magistrate Roshan Kushwaha has ordered the suspension of academic activities for Classes I to VIII in all government and private schools, including pre-schools and anganwadi centres, till January 3. The order has been issued under the relevant legal provisions to prevent any adverse impact on children's health. Special classes and examinations related to board and pre-board preparations have been exempted. Weather conditions in Samastipur remain harsh, with only a narrow difference of around three degrees Celsius between maximum and minimum temperatures. Westerly winds blowing at about 6.6 kmph have further intensified the chill. Over the past 24 hours, the maximum temperature was recorded at 13.6 degrees Celsius, significantly below normal, while the minimum hovered around 10 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists from Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University have warned that cold wave-like conditions are likely to persist across the region over the coming days. Residents have been advised to take adequate precautions and avoid unnecessary outdoor movement. Meanwhile, at least three houses were gutted and eight livestock charred to death after a fire broke out due to a bonfire in Bihar's West Champaran district on Sunday night, officials said. Bairiya circle officer Mukesh Kumar said the incident occurred at Ward 6 of Uttari Patjirwa in Bairiya Block of West Champaran when sparks from the bonfire reached nearby thatched structures, leaving three houses completely gutted....