The recent flooding in Balikpapan on Tuesday (27/8/2024) has disrupted the teaching and learning process in several schools, including SDN 008 Balikpapan Selatan. The Acting Head of SDN 008 Balikpapan Selatan, Uswatul Ummah, mentioned that the rising water levels forced them to evacuate the students.
Initially, classes were still ongoing when the water started to rise rapidly, affecting both the school premises and the access roads leading to the school, as well as the students‘ homes in Gang Mufakat I. In the interest of the students‘ safety, the school quickly made the decision to send them home earlier than usual.
„With the water levels rising, it was clear that the safety of the students was at risk. Therefore, we had to act swiftly and send them home to be picked up by their parents,“ Uswatul explained.
The flooding not only disrupted the teaching and learning process but also created an unsafe environment for the students. Uswatul emphasized that ensuring the safety of the students is their top priority, and in situations like this, online learning becomes the best alternative.
„Given the circumstances, we are doing our best to ensure that education continues by planning for online learning sessions if the situation does not improve at the school premises,“ Uswatul added.
The heavy rainfall on that day caused SDN 008 Balikpapan Selatan to be flooded due to the overflowing river. The school authorities took immediate action to send the students home early to avoid any further risks posed by the flooding.
While the floodwaters had not yet entered the classrooms, the school’s past experiences with flooding have made them more vigilant. Some students were picked up by their parents, while others were evacuated by the personnel from Ditpolairud Polda Kaltim.
In conclusion, the recent flooding in Balikpapan has once again highlighted the challenges faced by schools during natural disasters. Despite the disruptions caused by the flood, the safety and well-being of the students remain the top priority for the school authorities. By implementing online learning strategies and taking proactive measures, SDN 008 Balikpapan Selatan is ensuring that education continues even in the face of adversity.