Heavy continuous rains led to the closure of two primary schools in Aweil South and Aweil Centre counties on Monday. The damaged schools are Pan-ngaapdit and Pan-adhot in Aweil South and Dr. John Secondary in Aweil Centre.
Aweil South County Education Director Valentino Anei told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that the two primary schools were collapsed as a result of torrential rains and flooding which also caused the residents to vacate the areas and move to Geknhom for safety. Anei said the two primary schools were accommodating more than 5,000 pupils which were the most populated schools in Aweil South County.
Dr. John Garang Secondary School which is located at Naivasha area in Aweil Centre also suffered damaged to one school building and two pit latrines which collapsed. Within the month of August, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has been experiencing heavy rainfall that caused hundreds of citizens displaced from low-lying areas of the capital including Naivasha, New Site and Makuach Awet. They are now living in the streets and open spaces due to stagnant rain water which does not drain.
According to the county education official, the schools will remain closed until the state government relocates the residents to new places within Aweil South county. Many pupils who spoke to Radio Tamazuj were very concerned about the incident and asked their state authorities and UN agencies to provide them tents in order to continue with their studies.