Digging up to find a school
After the circulation of storm No. 11 passed, the roads leading to the flooded areas of Yen Binh, Huu Lung, Tuan Son, Van Nham communes were still covered with mud.
Present in Yen Binh commune, one of the most severely damaged places, traces of the fierce water are still printed all over the walls of the houses.
Mr. Luong Van Binh, Vice Chairman of Yen Binh Commune People's Committee, said: "The flood caused 6/8 schools in the area to be flooded more than 2m deep. Teaching equipment and equipment are severely damaged, many schools are almost lost."
At Yen Binh Secondary School, Mr. Hoang Huu Duong - Principal, and teachers are searching for the curriculum and records from the mud. "20 classrooms on the first floor were flooded, including classrooms, STEM rooms, libraries, Team rooms... Floodwaters swept away many documents. We have to pick up each book of paper and dry each book to save as much as possible, said Mr. Duong, still flip-flip the pages of paper stuck in mud.
In addition, Yen Binh Kindergarten was equally devastated. Ms. Nguyen Thi Van, Principal, shared: 12-14 classrooms were deeply flooded, toys, desks, chairs, and children's beds were all damaged. Each chair, each doll covered in mud makes everyone feel sorry. But as long as the school is still there, we will move it and teach it from the beginning."
At Son Ha Primary School (Huu Lung), the concrete road leading to the school was "squeezed" by floodwaters. Mr. Do Trung Thanh, Vice Principal, said: "Teachers now have to take a narrow, slippery shortcut, which is very dangerous, especially when it rains".
Estimated damage is over VND 16.7 billion
According to the Department of Education and Training of Lang Son province, as soon as storm No. 11 made landfall, the education sector proactively responded, minimizing damage. Mr. Nguyen Hai Tuan, Deputy Head of the Administrative - General Department, said: "As soon as the storm news was reported, the Department advised leaders to develop plans, direct schools to review facilities, reinforce classrooms, move equipment and documents to safe places. More than 99% of schools have stabilized teaching and learning".
At Huu Lung Boarding Secondary and High School for Ethnic Minorities, floodwaters damaged many classrooms and dormitories.
Teachers, parents, students and local forces have implemented the motto "clean as the water recedes". They clean up mud, disinfect, rearrange tables and chairs, check domestic water sources and kitchens.
That Khe Secondary School also quickly recovered. Mr. Nguyen Van Trong - Principal said: "We mobilized all staff, teachers, parents and soldiers to clean, clean, and check electricity and water. After only 2 days, the students have gone to school fully".
It is noted that as of October 15, in Yen Binh commune, Yen Binh Kindergarten is still there due to the great damage, and students have not been able to return to school.
In schools with minor damage, teachers adjusted the timetable, taught make-up, and extra classes so that students did not lose their knowledge. Schools that are seriously affected will temporarily move to study in safe rooms or organize online teaching with control. At the same time, schools coordinated with the government to mobilize social resources to support books and school supplies for students who lost after the flood.
According to the Department of Education and Training of Lang Son province, the whole industry has 52 school units directly affected, with a total estimated damage value of more than 16.7 billion VND
Up to now, the work of overcoming the consequences of storms and floods at Lang Son educational institutions has been basically completed. Many schools not only clean up and repair but also beautify the landscape, plant more trees, and repaint the walls to welcome students in a new look.
In parallel with material restoration, schools pay special attention to the mental health of students. Teachers organize weekly activities, life skills, and encourage students to overcome their hauntings after the flood.
