
Libya’s Schools Reopen In The Wake of Storm Daniel’s Devastation

A New Dawn Following The Storm
After a three-week closure due to the severe impact of Storm Daniel, Libyan schools have reopened. The academic year had started on September 3 but was abruptly halted on September 10 due to the catastrophic storm. Particularly devastating for cities in the Jabal Al-Akhdar region, including Derna, the storm led to the collapse of two dams, resulting in a disastrous flood that obliterated homes, schools, buildings, and claimed many lives. Amidst the catastrophe, national authorities declared a mourning period, which included a ten-day suspension of schools across the country.
Reopening Schools: A Step Towards Normalcy
The reopening of schools marked a considerable student turnout in most regions, with the exception of Derna and surrounding areas which bore the brunt of the storm’s fury. The minister of education in Libya’s west-based Government of National Unity, Mousa Al-Magarieff, stated that ministry representatives and private school administrations were directed to accept displaced students from the affected areas into private schools, without any restrictions or conditions.
(Read Also: Humanitarian Flight Departs from Ostend-Bruges Airport with Vital Medical Supplies for Flood-Affected Libya)
Special Measures for Displaced Students
In addition to this, Al-Magarieff mentioned that the education ministry has begun counting the number of displaced students. A committee, headed by the ministry representative, is assigned to monitor these students’ conditions and address any challenges they might face upon resumption. The reopening of the schools and the special measures put in place for displaced students is a significant step towards normalcy and recovery in the aftermath of Storm Daniel. However, the city of Derna and neighbouring areas remain exceptions due to the severity of the damages they sustained.
(Read Also: Libyan Leaders Discuss Recovery and Reconstruction Plan After Devastating Storm Daniel)
The Aftermath of Storm Daniel
Storm Daniel, which resulted in the suspension of the academic year, caused immense devastation in several regions of Libya, particularly Derna. The collapse of two dams led to catastrophic flooding, destroying numerous homes, schools, buildings, and leading to significant loss of life. National authorities declared a mourning period following this disaster, suspending schools across the country for ten days.
Continued Challenges in Derna
Despite the reopening of schools and the significant student turnout in most regions, Derna and its surrounding areas remain severely affected by the storm. These regions continue to face challenges due to the extensive damages they sustained. The education ministry, along with private school administrations, is working towards ensuring the accommodation and education of displaced students from these regions.
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