Khanh Hoa (VNA) – More than 720 schools across the south-central province of Khanh Hoa have resumed classes following the heavy flooding that occurred from November 15 to 21, causing extensive damage.
As of November 25 morning, 726 out of 796 schools had returned to normal operations. The remaining 70 schools, including 24 preschools, 22 primary schools, 15 lower secondary schools, seven upper secondary schools, and two vocational institutions, remain closed as they continue cleaning and recovery efforts, according to the provincial Department of Education and Training.
Initial estimates place the total damage to the education sector at over 32 billion VND (approximately 1.2 million USD), excluding the loss of books and materials due to flooding at home.
Deputy Director of the department Le Dinh Thuan said that no casualties have been reported in the sector thus far. Schools are continuing to update reports on damaged property and teaching equipment. Some institutions deemed safe for teaching and learning welcomed students back as early as November 24.
The province had initially planned to shift students to online learning. However, this option could not be implemented as teachers were occupied with cleaning classrooms, parents were busy restoring their homes, and many electronic devices were severely damaged in the floods.
Secretary of the Khanh Hoa provincial Party Committee Nghiem Xuan Thanh said the immediate priority is to help students gradually return to their routine after an extended break. Recovery work will continue to ensure safe and adequate conditions for teaching and learning in flooded areas.
Teachers at the Vinh Thanh kindergarten in Tay Nha Trang ward moved classroom items to higher shelves after heavy rainfall warnings, but flooding this year was far worse than expected. Water reached nearly 3m at one site and about 1m at another, damaging toys, learning materials, and even teachers’ homes, Principal Mai Thi Hoang said.
The nearby Luong The Vinh lower secondary school also suffered severe losses. Although classes resumed on November 25, several students were absent, and many lacked school supplies. The school reported extensive damage to desks, teaching equipment, and electronics. With support from military personnel, teachers completed cleanup on November 24 and reopened classes the following day, noted Principal Bui Ha Nam.
Other southern localities in the province, including Do Vinh, Phuoc Hau, and Ninh Phuoc, were also heavily affected. Local authorities and volunteers have been mobilised to help schools recover and enable students to return as soon as possible.
Khanh Hoa is exerting efforts to stabilise residents’ lives. The education sector is concentrating resources to bring students back to school quickly. The province has provided emergency support of 500,000 VND per student in flooded areas to buy learning materials, while each affected resident has received 1 million VND.
Ho Chi Minh City has also offered assistance, including funding to repair schools, rebuild kitchens, and supply free medicine./.
New storm forecast to hit flood-struck south-central Vietnam
Forecasts indicate that between the night of November 25 and the morning of November 26, the tropical depression will enter the East Sea.
