All schools across Fiji will be closed today after deteriorating weather conditions prompted the Ministry of Education to reverse earlier plans for normal operations.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said the decision was made following consultations with the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) and the Fiji Meteorological Service as heavy rain, strong winds and flooding continue to affect parts of the country.
“While earlier assessments indicated that schools could operate as normal, the latest weather forecasts and reports recently received point to a significant deterioration in conditions overnight,” the Ministry said in a statement.
Persistent heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal inundation and flooding have already affected several flood-prone areas, with further flooding expected this morning.
With student and teacher safety paramount, the Ministry announced that all schools throughout Fiji would remain closed today, Tuesday, June 16.
Tertiary institutions have been encouraged to make their own decisions based on local conditions.
Mr Radrodro said the precautionary measure was intended to minimise unnecessary travel and reduce risks to school communities.
“This precautionary decision has been made to minimise unnecessary travel and reduce the risk to students, teachers, and families as weather conditions remain unpredictable,” he said.
The Minister strongly urged parents and guardians to keep children safely at home and avoid travelling through flooded areas.
He warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges, creeks or rivers.
Heads of schools have been asked to remain in close contact with School Management Committees and District Education Offices, monitor local conditions and report any weather-related damage to school facilities.
The Ministry said it would continue to work closely with the NDRMO, Fiji Meteorological Service and other relevant authorities to monitor the evolving situation.
Further advice on the reopening of schools will be issued once conditions improve and it is safe to do so.
Mr Radrodro thanked parents, teachers, students and the wider public for their understanding and cooperation.
“The decision was made with the safety and wellbeing of Fiji’s children and school communities as the highest priority,” he said.
