DepEd: 24,715 schools at risk from floods, landslides

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) yesterday reported that 11,968 schools are at flood risk and 12,747 schools at landslide risk because of the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan.

According to the DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) report, as of noon yesterday the schools at flood risk belong to 120 school divisions, while schools that may be affected by rain-induced landslides are from 110 divisions.

Region 3 had the most number of schools at flood risk, followed by Region 8, Region 1 and Region 5.

DepEd’s data showed that Region 4-A has the most number of schools at risk of rain-induced landslides; next is Region 5, Region 8 and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The DepEd DRRMS also noted that Super Typhoon Uwan “remains strong amid life-threatening conditions in the Bicol Region.”

It also noted that a total of 33,762 public schools across Regions 1, 2, 3, 4-A, 5, 6, 7 and the National Capital Region have suspended in-person classes for today.

There would be 16,642,762 learners and 729,293 school personnel in 33,762 public schools affected by the class suspensions.

Currently, 1,800 classrooms and 372 public schools in seven regions are being used as evacuation centers.

“The DepEd is actively collaborating with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils on pre-emptive evacuation efforts,” the DepEd DRRMS said.

It also recommended that affected schools and school divisions should enhance their emergency response preparedness. They should also activate their School Disaster Risk Reduction Management teams and contingency plans to prepare for possible flooding, landslides and storm surges.

They were also told to protect the learning materials and equipment, to prevent their damage during the typhoon. They should also pre-position their emergency supplies and resources.