Millions of students were affected by the suspension of face-to-face classes in thousands of schools due to Tropical Storm Kristine, according to data released by the Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Based on the latest situational report, DepEd data showed that a total of 17,764 schools suspended face-to-face classes across 79 divisions in 12 regions.
DepEd also noted that 7,376,679 learners and 344,125 teaching and non-teaching personnel are affected by TS Kristine.
The latest data from DepEd also indicated that there were four schools with reported flooding incidents and two schools being used as evacuation centers.
Actions taken
At the Central Office, DepEd stated that it has triggered the Rapid Assessment of Damages Report (RADaR) for exposed and affected regions and divisions.
DepEd is also monitoring the impacts of hazards in the affected regions and divisions.
Weather advisories for the affected regions and divisions, along with information from the DepEd Quick Response and Recovery Team (QRRT) and Education Cluster Partners, were also disseminated.
DepEd has also participated in an emergency meeting with the Office of Civil Defense regarding the potential impact of TS Kristine.
Meanwhile, DepEd reported that its field offices have been monitoring weather updates and the impacts of hazards in divisions and schools, and have been disseminating weather advisories and tropical cyclone bulletin information to these areas.
DepEd will continue to monitor the impacts of hazards in the affected regions and divisions.