Many schools in Hanoi close, switch to online learning over flood concerns

Due to heavy overnight rain, early on 17/9, many schools in Hanoi announced closures or a shift to online learning over fears of flooded roads; some also delayed class start times and waived penalties for late students.

At nearly 5h, Doan Thi Diem Primary School issued an urgent announcement, instructing all students to stay home and switch from in-person to online learning on 17/9, citing concerns about widespread deep flooding on many roads.

Nguyen Sieu School and Luong The Vinh School (Tan Trieu campus) issued similar notices. These schools stated that classes would follow the regular timetable, with teachers guiding students to access online platforms.

Meanwhile, Newton Primary and Secondary School offered two options. Families in flooded or difficult-to-navigate areas could keep their children home. The school would consider organizing online learning based on student numbers.

For students still attending in-person, the class start time was delayed by 15 minutes, to 8h, to allow families more time for travel.

Nguyen Tat Thanh Secondary and High School decided not to mark students tardy for the first period, acknowledging that students and their parents might encounter unavoidable circumstances while traveling on flooded roads.

Hanoi has experienced continuous rain in recent days. Peak rainfall occurred overnight from 16/9 to 17/9, with many areas in the capital recording over 150 mm. Tu Liem saw nearly 200 mm, Hai Ba Trung 190 mm, and Cau Giay 182 mm. This heavy overnight rain caused deep flooding on many Hanoi streets, impacting residents' morning commute.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting stated that Hanoi is likely to continue experiencing showers and thunderstorms until 9h in central areas, including: Duong Noi, An Khanh, Yen Lang, Ha Dong, Phu Luong, Kien Hung, Chuong My, Khuong Dinh, and Lang.