Over 12,000 schools in 120 school divisions may be at risk of flooding and rain-induced landslides as Typhoon Uwan continues to intensify while moving west-northwest over the sea east of Eastern Visayas, the Department of Education (DepEd) warned on Saturday.
In its Preparedness for Response report, the agency said 11,968 schools in 120 divisions are vulnerable to flooding, while 12,747 schools in 110 divisions face possible rain-induced landslides amid forecasts of heavy rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters from November 8 to 10.
“The Department of Education – Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DepEd-DRRMS) continues to monitor [Typhoon Uwan] as it further intensifies while moving west northwestward over the sea east of Eastern Visayas. This typhoon may affect more than 12,000 schools in 120 school divisions,” it said.
The DepEd-DRRMS urged affected School Division Offices and schools to coordinate with local government units and disaster risk reduction councils to ensure emergency preparedness. It also advised schools to activate School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (SDRRM) teams, safeguard learning materials and equipment, preposition emergency supplies, and report incidents via the IMRS system.
“The Department of Education is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners and staff. Be aware. Be prepared. Be safe,” the agency said.
Meanwhile, the DepEd reported that as of Friday, 1,920,402 learners and 79,306 personnel in 3,478 public schools across five regions had been affected by Typhoon Tino and the shear line.
It added that 2,564 classrooms in 424 schools across seven regions are currently being used as evacuation centers.
Based on a rapid damage assessment, 2,156 classrooms were found to have sustained minor damage, 806 major damage, and 391 were totally destroyed, according to the DRRMS Incident Management Report System.
