Possible flooding: Schools warned

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Education has put in place measures to guide schools in the event of flooding.

Rain is expected in the days following the Easter weekend, and, as a precaution, the department has issued a flood directive to schools in the province.

The department stated last week that there were no formal reports of flooding or damage to schools, but felt compelled to prepare principals, pupils and staff.  

Potential flooding dangers

Heavy rains often block access to schools, especially in rural areas, and guidelines exist to help principals prevent staff and families from becoming isolated.

“Any damage to road infrastructure may render students and teachers unable to make their way to schools. This includes delivery of food items necessary for the feeding of students,” stated the department.

“Schools and offices must adhere to specific guidelines in the event of extreme rainfall, wind or any other natural disaster which may threaten the lives of students, teachers, and officials,” it explained.

The guidelines were distributed to all schools and apply to pupils, teachers, office employees and parents.

“The Department cannot afford to lose any lives due to flooding of bridges and destruction of offices or classrooms,” it stated.

Instructions for principals

The guidelines stress that all parties should only leave their homes or school premises if it is safe to do so.

Principals and circuit managers must take the lead by:

• Communicating with parents to ensure that they are cognisant of the weather conditions before sending children to school in the morning.
• Principals may advise that pupils from weather-hit communities stay home if conditions are unfavourable.
• If the weather deteriorates during the day, principals may keep pupils at school until it is safe to allow them to leave.
• Principals must log any damage or incidents with the department immediately.
• “Managers must also advise staff members on the possible safety precautions based on updated weather reports,” the department said.

Should teaching be disrupted, principals will be tasked with devising catch-up plans to ensure pupils are not left behind academically.

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