Students return to school after Thanh Hoa flood

THANH HOA- (VNS) Over 10,000 students can finally resume their studies today in the central province of Thanh Hoa after a four day flood devastated the area.

The September 5-9 flood, caused by 300-400 mm of rainfall, not only, wrecked houses and crops, but also stopped the students from learning as the downpours turned their schools into remote islands.

According to the provincial department of Education and Training, floods have washed away over 1,000 students' books, mainly those from the communes of Quang Phu, Tho Lap and Xuan Chau where the dyke of Cau Chay River broke out.

To help the students get back on their feet, local youth union members cleaned the schools and classrooms while local health staff worked diligently to protect them by disinfecting the dirty water.

Le Van Nguon, head of the education and training department said schools have encouraged their students to share books, notebooks, school supplies with other students affected by the flood. He added the Ministry of Education and Training had gave VND100 million($5,000) to help buy textbooks, and other supplies for schools in the two districts of Lang Chanh and Thuong Xuan which were devastated by the flood.

As expected, the flood has wrecked a number of tables, chairs, school supplies and teaching equipment in the province causing nearly VND6 billion($300,000) worth of damage. --VNS