- nabalunews
Schools badly impacted by floods
1 July
By AVV
PENAMPANG: The floods that hit multiple areas within the Penampang region yesterday had significant impacts on several schools located in the affected areas.
In the aftermath of yesterday’s floods, the devastating impact on SK Sugud, one of the schools in Penampang, cannot be overstated. The floodwaters mercilessly invaded the school compounds and preschool area, leaving behind a trail of mud and debris. The preschool section is now coated with mud and the chairs are irreparably damaged by the force of the flood.
As the floodwaters receded, the extent of the damage became even more apparent. Mud deposits were discovered not only in the preschool area but also in the meeting room and teachers' quarters. The canteen is also affected and these spaces, which were meant to be safe havens for learning and collaboration, now bear the scars of the flood's wrath
The impact of the flood extended beyond the school buildings themselves. The force of the floodwaters proved too much for the school's fence, causing it to collapse behind the premises.
“As there is no electricity , we couldn’t communicate with our pupils. Today, only a mere 15 out of the 273 pupils were able to make it to school. We don’t know about the home situation of the other pupils and I believe many of them come from homes affected by the floods, so there is a real possibility that their school books have also been damaged,” shared Headmaster Hamzah Ismail.
They didn't have running water either.
According to him the Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin and officials came by to visit them while on their way to SK Terian.
While SK Babagon itself was fortunate enough to escape direct impact from the floods, the school community still deeply felt the consequences of the natural disaster. The flooding along the routes leading to the school presented a major obstacle, preventing teachers and staff from reaching their place of work. Some of these dedicated educators and support staff also had their own homes affected by the floods, requiring their immediate attention and care.
Headmaster Lawrence George acknowledged the challenges faced by both the school and its pupils during this difficult time. With some pupils unable to attend school due to the flood-related circumstances, the school had to adapt and find creative solutions to ensure continued learning. To maintain educational continuity, the school implemented a merged class approach, bringing together students from different grade levels.
Under this arrangement, the topics of study were varied and diverse, encompassing a wide range of subjects. Teachers engaged the students in discussions not only about the floods but also on other relevant and interesting topics.
Many other schools are affected by the floods in Penampang causing class disruption and generally contending with mud that flows into the school and debris. The flood which started on Sunday at about noon, impacted several schools on the west coast of Sabah and some 5077 pupils. Six schools in Penampang were temporarily closed to facilitate cleaning among others.
Meanwhile, Penampang Member of Parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick was seen at the disaster control centre and flood victim relocation centre at the Sabah Cultural Center in Penampang with Penampang District Officer Francis Chong, Assistant District Officer, and the District Disaster Committee.
He donated RM20,000 to the District Disaster Committee for their operations needs, among others at the disaster relocation centre.
