Image of a boarding school for ethnic minorities in Tuyen Quang in disarray after the flood

A week after the flood receded, the school grounds of Thuan Hoa Primary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities were still in disarray, with mud stains more than 3 meters high across the walls. Tables, chairs, cabinets, televisions, computers, and student blankets were all severely damaged.

After the flash flood caused by storm No. 10, Thuan Hoa Primary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities (Thuan Hoa commune, Tuyen Quang province) was heavily flooded.

“We only had time to bring more than 200 boarding students home to avoid the flood. The next morning, the water flooded in, some places nearly 4 meters deep. Both teachers and students had to run up a hill 500 meters from the school to escape,” said Mr. Vu Khac Lan, the school’s principal.

The flood reduced the once-proper school to rubble. Rows of classrooms were now covered in mud.

“All textbooks, notebooks, and library equipment were completely destroyed. Many books, lesson plans, records, and teachers’ certificates were also swept away by the water. The school is now just a shell. The estimated damage is nearly 2 billion VND,” said Mr. Lan.

The students' accommodation is still full of mud.

In the knee-high mud, teachers patiently cleaned up, picking up every remaining book and desk. They worked for days without rest, hoping to clear the mess soon so students could return to school.

“The school has more than 400 students, mainly children of Mong, Tay, and Bo Y ethnic groups. They all live at the school, but now their blankets, kitchen, and beds have all been swept away by the flood. The loss of property is huge, but what makes us even more worried is that the students cannot return to class,” said Mr. Lan.

Authorities and teachers are cleaning up the school.

According to Mr. Lan, for now, the Department of Education and Training of Tuyen Quang has provided books for students. Some units and individuals have accepted to support desks, chairs, and school supplies. However, in the area where it is raining heavily, floodwaters are rising, so it is not possible to bring school supplies yet.

“Currently, local forces have come to support the cleanup about 80%. The biggest concern is the food and accommodation for students after they return to school. All the school supplies are damaged. It is expected that students will be able to return to school on Monday (October 13) at the earliest,” said Mr. Lan.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/hinh-anh-ngoi-truong-dan-toc-ban-tru-tai-tuyen-quang-ngon-ngang-sau-mua-lu-post1784769.tpo