All schools in the Northern, Western Education Divisions including Ovalau schools, will be closed tomorrow, 18th March, due to adverse weather that has affected these areas.
Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca announced this decision after consulting with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).
“The heavy rain overnight, and in those areas for most of today, has led to increased risk of flooding and landslides. Some of our schools are also being used as Evacuation Centers, and most of the schools are deemed to be inaccessible due to broken irish crossings, flooded waters, and flood prone areas are still flooded even though the low tide this afternoon, we had hoped for some relief,” said Kuruleca.
“There are also reports of power outages, water cuts, and disruption to public transportation”.
“Heads of Schools in the mentioned Education Divisions and District are to closely work with school management committees to assess the status of your schools. Education District offices and Divisional Education Offices are to be given detailed status reports of respective schools.”
The Education Ministry reminds all parents and guardians to be alert of the current unfavourable weather condition.
“We should not be complacent at any time and must be attentive and continue to monitor the whereabouts of our children at all times.”
“I request all parents and guardians to ensure that their children are not playing or swimming in flooded rivers or drains or creeks,” said Kuruleca.
The Permanent Secretary stresses the importance of being vigilant and to exercise caution when it comes to adhering to advise of unfavourable weather.
“With safety being our utmost priority, it is imperative that we take proactive measures to ensure the well-being of our students, teachers and communities.
She advises all parents and guardians to keep following the weather update issued in the media and emphasises that the Ministry will continue liaising with the NDMO.
