KZN Schools Told to Prepare for Rain and Possible Flooding

As KwaZulu-Natal braces for rainfall in the aftermath of the Easter weekend, the provincial Department of Education has distributed updated flood safety guidelines to all schools. The move comes amid concerns over potential disruptions to education and safety risks in flood-prone areas.

While no school damage or flooding incidents have been officially reported, authorities say the proactive measures are aimed at preparing principals, staff, and learners for possible emergencies linked to heavy rainfall.

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Risks posed by flooding

In rural parts of the province, access to schools can be blocked by damaged roads or submerged bridges, cutting off students, teachers, and essential deliveries such as food supplies. The department noted that infrastructure challenges during storms can delay or prevent access to education and basic services.

“Schools and offices must adhere to specific guidelines in the event of extreme rainfall, wind, or any other natural disaster which may threaten the lives of students, teachers, and officials,” the department stated.

The distributed flood directive includes detailed procedures to be followed by pupils, teachers, administrative staff, and parents in case of severe weather.

Safety comes first

The guidelines urge school leaders to prioritise safety by staying indoors if travel conditions become dangerous. Circuit managers and principals are expected to lead responses at school level.

Among the key instructions:

• Parents must be alerted to weather conditions before sending children to school.

• Principals may recommend that learners from high-risk areas stay home.

• If weather worsens during school hours, pupils may be kept at school until it is safe to release them.

• Any storm-related damage must be reported to the department without delay.

• Staff should be briefed on safety procedures based on real-time weather updates.

Should classes be interrupted, schools are expected to implement catch-up programmes to ensure pupils do not fall behind.

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Sourced:The Citizen

Picture: SAWeatherServic/X