Vietnam extends school closures for 2.4 million students as typhoon Yagi recovery efforts continue

Hai Phong port city, one of the areas hardest hit by the typhoon, announced that over 520,000 students would remain out of school on Monday until further notice as authorities work to manage the extensive damage.

Its neighbor Quang Ninh Province, where Yagi made landfall on Saturday afternoon, authorities announced that 360,000 students would have an additional day off on Monday, with further updates to be provided as the situation evolves.

"The Department of Education and Training, along with local authorities, will determine whether an additional 1-2 days off is necessary, depending on local conditions," the provincial directive stated.

Dien Bien Province extended the closure for over 200,000 preschool and general education students through Monday and Tuesday.

Son La and Cao Bang provinces issued similar announcements for more than 500,000 students to remain at home on Monday and Tuesday. A representative from the Son La Department of Education and Training emphasized the severe risks of flash floods and landslides in the region due to its challenging terrain, making the extended closure essential for safety.

In addition, over 835,000 students in Hoa Binh, Bac Ninh, and Yen Bai provinces have been granted a day off on Monday.

In Hanoi, Tuyen Quang, Bac Giang, and Lang Son, schools have been advised to assess local conditions and independently decide when to reopen. Schools located in areas prone to landslides, flash floods, or where safety standards are not met are instructed to remain closed.

To ensure that students do not fall behind academically, schools will arrange make-up classes after the closures.

Earlier, nearly 20 localities including Hanoi and Hai Phong had shut schools for approximately 10 million students to take shelter from the approaching super typhoon Yagi on Saturday, which is a normal class days for many public schools in Vietnam.

Typhoon Yagi is the third to hit Vietnam this year. With maximum gusts reaching 201 kph of super typhoon level, the storm is the strongest to impact the East Sea in the past 30 years. It has caused significant destruction, resulting in 59 deaths and widespread disruption in northern Vietnam.