Hanoi, Aug 21: Northern Vietnam is facing a severe educational crisis as thousands of children are set to miss school due to the widespread damage caused by recent floods and landslides. The catastrophic weather, which has been affecting the region since early July, has resulted in extensive destruction across communities, including damaged homes, ruined crops, and disrupted transportation infrastructure.
According to Save the Children, the floods have severely impacted the region, leaving about 1.3 million people affected in Son La province alone. Nearly 29,000 homes have been damaged, and 90,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed. The disaster has also claimed the lives of eleven people, with approximately 2,670 houses and 29 school buildings suffering damage.
The floods have caused substantial disruption to education, with an estimated 4,500 children facing significant challenges as they prepare to return to school in September. The situation is exacerbated by damaged roads, landslides, and broken bridges that hinder access to schools. Ha Cong Minh, a school principal in Son La province, reported that students must navigate difficult terrain and cross streams to reach their schools.
The financial impact of the floods has been severe, with damages estimated at around $85 million in the first seven months of the year, double the previous year’s total. The General Statistic Office of Vietnam also reported that 91 people were killed or went missing due to adverse weather conditions during this period.
Save the Children emphasizes the urgent need for intervention to address the safety concerns facing these children and support their return to school. Le Thi Thanh Huong, Country Director of Save the Children Vietnam, highlighted the importance of immediate action to prevent further risks to the affected children.
As Vietnam grapples with these extreme weather events, experts warn that the increasing frequency and intensity of such disasters are linked to global climate change.