Several schools remained closed today and some opted for virtual learning due to flooding in sections of the island caused by Hurricane Ian as it made its way across the Caribbean.
The Ministry of Education and Youth had advised from early that students in the eastern parishes of St Thomas, Portland and St Mary, which make up Region 2, should remain at home on Monday, September 26 due to heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Ian that impacted sections of the island between Saturday and Sunday.
The Met Service had declared a flash flood warning for the parishes in Region 2 on Sunday. The Education Ministry said the report from region 2 indicates that adverse weather conditions had disrupted electricity, worsened road conditions and caused flooding in some areas.
The ministry stated that based on the situational update from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and the Meteorological Office, schools can open for face-to-face classes where conditions are safe. However as the country experienced a heavy downpour from the outer rainbands of Hurricane Ian, several schools across the island, including some in Kingston, closed their doors.
School administrators were encouraged to use their communication channels to communicate with all parents, students and staff to advise of the operations of schools based on their local situation.
“All staff and parents should exercise their best judgement, paying special attention to self-care and safety in all circumstances,” the ministry advised.