55 of 56 basic education schools temporarily closed due to flooding in five Tanintharyi Region townships reopen

A total of 55 of the 56 basic education schools temporarily closed due to flooding in five townships in Tanintharyi Region have reopened, according to reports.

Due to the effects of a land depression that crossed Myanmar, heavy and continuous rainfall began in Tanintharyi Region from the evening of September 26, causing river water to enter some townships. Flooding also occurred in low-lying wards and some villages in Tanintharyi Township, while sections of the Myeik-Tanintharyi-Bokpyin-Kawthoung Union Highway were inundated. As a result, 56 basic education schools in five flood-affected townships, including Dawei town, Tanintharyi Region, had to be temporarily closed from September 28.

The 56 temporarily closed schools comprised three basic education primary schools in Yebyu Township; two basic education high schools, one middle school and 12 primary and post-primary schools in Dawei Township; six basic education high schools and branch high schools, two middle schools, 13 primary and post-primary schools, two monastic education schools and one private school in Launglon Township; one basic education high school and branch high school and nine primary and post-primary schools in Thayetchaung Township; and one basic education post-primary school in Palaw Township.

Following the flooding, after the water receded in affected areas, local Tatmadaw members, Myanmar Police Force personnel, firefighters, departmental teams and local residents jointly carried out work to enable the affected schools to reopen as soon as possible, including removing sediment left inside and outside the schools, clearing debris, repairing desks, and cleaning classrooms and school compounds. As a result, 14 basic education schools reopened on September 30 and another 41 on October 1, bringing the total number of reopened schools to 55, where students have resumed their studies. Meanwhile, cleaning and repair work will be prioritized at the remaining basic education post-primary school (Palauk Nauk) in Palaw Township once the floodwaters recede, with efforts being made to reopen it as soon as possible.