School closure announced as DDM advises public to stay off roads
The Ministry of Education has announced the closure of all public schools following a weather advisory from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) about a tropical wave affecting the territory.
The DDM issued a statement urging the public to avoid non-essential travel on Monday, November 11, due to heavy rainfall and flooding in low-lying areas.
“With heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, flooding has occurred in low-lying areas,” the statement read. “For the safety of work crews and motorists, the public is urged to avoid non-essential travel until roads can be assessed for damages,” it continued.
The DDM also warned that rock falls and other hazards are possible. The Education Ministry emphasized that the school closures aim to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Teachers are encouraged to provide assignments via online platforms where possible, as some areas may experience power outages.
The public is advised to monitor updates and exercise caution.
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The flooding of low-lying areas is related, not so much to rainfall, but to indiscriminate modifications of the island’s terrain.
The creation of Wickhams Cay I and II, and the runoff from access roads cut on steep hillsides, are contributing factors.
Lots of places get this much rain. With proper planning, implementation and maintenance it’s not a problem. This is the real cost of years of ineptitude on the part of the government. Having to shut the schools and have commerce grind to a halt is expensive and unnecessary.