The Ministry of Education and Training announced on 24/11/2024 that numerous schools in Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, and Quang Ngai were deeply flooded. These schools suffered landslides and damage to fences, teaching equipment, retaining walls, parking facilities, and water supply and drainage systems. Khanh Hoa incurred the most damage, estimated at nearly 32,5 billion VND, followed by Dak Lak with over 28,9 billion VND, and Gia Lai with more than 22,6 billion VND.
Additionally, hundreds of thousands of textbooks and learning materials were submerged in floodwaters, primarily in Gia Lai.
According to the Ministry, these figures are not final. The fragmented terrain and persistent floodwaters have prevented schools from fully assessing the total extent of the damage.
Regarding educational activities, nearly 2,000 schools or school sites had to suspend classes. As of noon today, 360 schools in Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa remain unable to resume operations.
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Damaged textbooks and notebooks after the floods at Phu Huu school site, Hoa Thinh Primary School, Dak Lak. *Photo: Thanh Tung - Tran Hoa* |
In response to this situation, the Ministry has urged local Departments of Education and Training to prepare budget proposals. These proposals are to be submitted to the provincial People's Committees for allocating funds for repairs. Priority will be given to central government support to restore school facilities and procure equipment, facilitating a prompt return to school for students.
The Ministry will provide free textbooks to students. Currently, Vietnam Education Publishing House is preparing 10 million copies for distribution. Units within the Ministry have also donated 300 million VND to each affected province. Students experiencing psychological impacts from the disaster will receive counseling at school.
The Ministry also stated it would continue to propose that international organizations, specifically UNICEF and Save the Children, establish an emergency education support group. This group would prioritize providing learning materials, clothing, drinking water, and financial aid for student families.
The recent floods in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands are unprecedented, having not occurred in over 50 years of observation, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. As of yesterday, the floods have caused 91 deaths and economic damage of nearly 13,100 billion VND. The government has provided 1,100 billion VND in emergency aid to the affected localities.
Duong Tam
