Coldest Place On Earth
Most Dangerous Ways to School | Oymyakon, Russia
Nestled in Siberia’s remote wilderness, Oymyakon, Russia, is renowned as the coldest inhabited place on Earth. Temperatures in this village regularly drop to around -50°C (-58°F), sometimes plunging as low as -67.7°C (-89.9°F). In such harsh conditions, children embarking on a journey to school face challenges that few could imagine. This article delves into the extraordinary resilience and courage these children exhibit daily and highlights how they navigate the journey to school in some of the world’s most dangerous conditions.
The Frozen Journey Begins
In Oymyakon, simply stepping outside in winter is a formidable task. Children must begin their day by bundling up in layers of clothing—often multiple coats, thick scarves, gloves, hats, and boots—just to shield themselves from the biting cold. Even brief exposure to the open air can cause frostbite within minutes, making proper attire essential for survival.
Many children must walk or ski to school, often covering several kilometers. In rural Siberian communities like Oymyakon, school is one of the only places for children to gather, learn, and play, making their journey worthwhile despite the daunting conditions.
Dangerous Roads and Icy Paths
Oymyakon’s isolated geography means that the roads leading to school are often narrow, icy, and treacherous. Snowstorms and thick ice cover these routes, which remain largely untreated due to limited local infrastructure. Since the area is so remote, road-clearing services are few and far between. Without regular snow removal, even short routes can become dangerous. Children must learn to tread carefully on icy paths, often using ski poles or walking sticks for stability.
In addition, the absence of daylight in winter adds to the challenge. With only a few hours of weak sunlight per day, visibility is limited, and children may face blizzards and heavy snowfall that can obscure their path entirely.
Threats from Wildlife
Another peril for children in Oymyakon is wildlife, as wolves, foxes, and even Siberian tigers roam the snowy landscapes. While these animals usually avoid human contact, the scarcity of food in winter sometimes leads them closer to inhabited areas. Children walking alone or in small groups are especially cautious, trained by their families to recognize and avoid these animals. In some cases, parents accompany their children to protect them from such encounters, though this is not always feasible.
Survival Skills Taught from a Young Age
In a place like Oymyakon, survival skills are taught early in life. Children learn to recognize signs of frostbite and hypothermia, understand how to pace themselves in extreme cold, and even practice quick ways to cover exposed skin when the weather shifts unexpectedly. Schools also have protocols in place for extreme cold days; when temperatures drop below certain thresholds, classes may be canceled, and children are advised to stay indoors.
Moreover, these children develop a unique mental resilience. The harsh environment of Oymyakon instills in them a strong sense of community and a determined spirit, as they know that overcoming daily challenges is a part of life here.
Local Infrastructure and School Life
Once they arrive at school, children in Oymyakon find some respite. Schools are typically heated by coal or wood-fired stoves, providing a warm environment to study and socialize. However, heating challenges persist, and schools occasionally close if temperatures drop too low to maintain safe indoor conditions.
For many, the school day offers relief from the hardships outside. Here, they can shed some of their heavy outerwear, interact with friends, and enjoy their studies in a relatively warm environment. However, there’s always the looming thought of the journey back home, which is often just as challenging as the journey to school.
Psychological Impact of the Extreme Cold
Living in one of the coldest places on Earth has its psychological toll. The harsh conditions mean that children must grow up faster, facing risks that would be unimaginable in most other parts of the world. These daily struggles foster resilience, but they also require a continuous mental toughness, especially given the long and dark winter months, which can sometimes affect mood and energy levels.
Parents and teachers play a crucial role in helping children develop a positive outlook despite the conditions. From organizing indoor activities to encouraging children to take pride in their unique upbringing, the community in Oymyakon provides a supportive environment that values endurance and unity.
The Future for Oymyakon’s Children
While the journey to school is fraught with dangers, children in Oymyakon display an incredible commitment to education and community. The experiences they face mold them into resilient, self-reliant individuals, proud of their unique heritage. As climate change raises questions about the future of such extreme climates, Oymyakon’s youth continue to exemplify the strength and resilience required to thrive in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Conclusion
The journey to school for children in Oymyakon, Russia, is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous in the world. Through icy roads, wildlife threats, and subzero temperatures, they demonstrate unparalleled bravery and tenacity. Their story serves as an inspiring reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to adapt and persevere, even in the most extreme of environments.
You can watch documentary about this place on youtube.