Severe tropical storm “Kristine" leaves 28 schools flooded in Cagayan

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan - Typhoon Kristine's flooding in the province of Cagayan affected more than twenty schools, according to the Schools Division Office (SDO).

In his interview with the media, Doctor Reynate Caliguiran, the Superintendent of SDO Cagayan, reported that the overflow of the Cagayan River flooded 28 out of over 900 public and private schools in the province.

Among those were schools in the towns of Enrile, Solana, Amulung, Alcala, and Baggao, while a school in Aparri served as an evacuation center for residents fleeing the typhoon. Fortunately, no instructional materials were destroyed or damaged, as the teachers had put them in safe places before the flood level rose.

The aftermath of typhoon Kristine presents challenges for the Cagayan educational community. As the focus shifts to recovery and restoration, the commitment to prioritizing student welfare and mental health should not be set aside.

When classes resume, according to Caliguiran, the teachers will first pay attention to the mental health of the 448 students affected by the flood.

As of now, the teachers, school staff, and other stakeholders will focus on conducting a clean-up drive in the flooded schools before classes begin in the coming days.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, October 23, the Provincial Government of Cagayan urged its people to proceed to evacuation centers when necessary and report their situation to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office or any relevant agencies for assessment and assistance provision.

In case of any concerns or reports, residents can contact the PDRRMO-Cagayan through CP# 0975-434-8083.

On the other hand, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) has pledged to continue serving the medical needs of affected families and individuals.

As for the cost of damage to the province's infrastructural and agricultural sectors, the concerned agencies are still inspecting and assessing the affected areas.