Musi Rawas Utara, KOTABARI.COM – Muratara Regency in South Sumatra is grappling with the serious consequences of widespread flooding, particularly affecting numerous schools in the region. At least 17 schools, comprising both Primary (SD) and Junior High Schools (SMP), have fallen victim to the rising waters, prompting the temporary suspension of teaching and learning activities.
The floods are a result of the overflow of the Rupit River and Rawas River, exacerbated by heavy rainfall over the past two weeks. Zazili, the Acting Head of the Muratara Regency Education Agency, revealed that the number of flooded schools could increase as the water levels in the two rivers continue to rise.
“Up to now, we have received reports from 17 schools affected by the floods, and this number may still increase because the water in the Rupit and Rawas Rivers continues to rise,” stated Zazili on Thursday (1/11/2024).
The impacted schools are located in various sub-districts, such as Karang Dapo, Rupit, Rawas Ulu, and Rawas Ilir. Among them are schools like SD Negeri Biaro Baru, SD Negeri 1 Karang Dapo, SD Negeri 3 Muara Rupit, and SMP Negeri Pulau Lebar.
Zazili advised school principals to temporarily suspend teaching and learning activities in the flooded schools until the water recedes. He acknowledged the difficulty in finding alternative safe locations due to the natural disaster and expressed that the relocation of educational activities is currently impractical.
“Given that this is a natural disaster, even if we wanted to relocate, it seems there are no buildings or rooms available for learning. Therefore, once the floodwaters recede, schools will resume as usual,” added Zazili.
While local authorities and communities are working diligently to address the impact of the floods, residents in the affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed about the latest updates from local authorities.