In Hanoi, flooded school keeps students online for 10 days

Tay Mo Elementary School in the capital’s Tay Mo Ward was first flooded on September 30 after prolonged rainfall linked to the remnants of storm Bualoi.

Water inundated classrooms on the ground floor and submerged much of the schoolyard and entrance road, with floodwaters reaching depths of up to one meter.

“We started cleaning as soon as the water began to recede,” said principal Nguyen Thanh Ha.

“Teachers, staff, and even parents helped clear mud and debris from classrooms, hallways and the schoolyard.

“But just as we were making progress, more rain from storm Matmo came and flooded the school again — even worse than before.”

Many desks, chairs, and teaching materials were damaged during the initial flooding and could not be moved in time.

With no safe way to resume in-person classes, the school switched to online learning from October 1.

Online lessons are especially challenging for elementary school students, said Ha, as younger children need more guidance and real-time interaction.

Teachers have adapted by integrating more interactive activities into their virtual lessons and working closely with parents to keep more than 2,000 students engaged and on track.

School staff continue to monitor the situation and clean up as the water gradually recedes.

Ha said the school may reopen for in-person learning as early as next Monday if weather conditions remain stable.

According to Hanoi’s Department of Education and Training, more than 30 schools across the city were flooded following recent storms, which damaged furniture, classroom equipment, and other facilities.

The department has instructed schools to inspect buildings for electrical and water safety, clear debris, disinfect classrooms, and trim trees to prevent accidents.

Schools have also been told to assess students’ learning gaps caused by the disruption and take steps to support those who may have fallen behind.