Severe floods cut access routes, convert schools into evacuation centers, and disrupt learning plans
The 2026 school year in Sarawak is beginning under difficult circumstances, as widespread flooding forces dozens of schools to shut their doors, raising safety concerns for students, teachers, and families across multiple districts.
Flooding Forces Widespread School Closures
A total of 42 schools across Sarawak are expected to remain closed as severe flooding affects multiple districts, potentially disrupting the first day of the 2026 school session. Checks conducted by the Sarawak Education Department confirmed that access roads to many schools have been cut off, school compounds are submerged, and some premises have been repurposed as temporary evacuation centers.
State Education director Omar Mahli said inspections carried out a day earlier revealed that while schools under 24 district education offices remain operational, several institutions will need to adopt alternative teaching arrangements. Districts involved include Baram, Bau, Betong, Kapit, Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, and Limbang.
Schools Turned Into Evacuation Centers
One of the hardest-hit schools is SK Endap in Samarahan, where all school buildings are currently being used as a temporary evacuation center for flood victims. This has made it impossible for classes to resume on campus, highlighting how flooding has directly displaced educational activities.
Several other schools in Daro, Selangau, Serian, Tatau, and Sebauh are also affected. Floodwaters have entered classrooms in many areas, while access roads remain impassable, making travel unsafe for both students and teachers.
Districts Facing Severe Impact
In Daro alone, eight schools have been unable to operate after floodwaters inundated classrooms and rendered school grounds unsafe. Similar conditions were reported in Selangau, where six schools were affected, while Bintulu recorded disruptions at four schools due to flooding and access issues.
Education authorities emphasized that closures were implemented to prioritize safety, especially as weather conditions remain unpredictable in several parts of the state.
Alternative Learning Measures Implemented
To ensure continuity in education, affected schools have been instructed to implement home-based teaching and learning through online platforms. Printed learning modules are also being distributed to students who may have limited internet access.
Some schools have been advised to temporarily operate from community halls or nearby schools if flood conditions persist, allowing learning activities to continue without exposing students to unsafe environments.
Parents Urged to Stay Updated
Parents and students have been urged to closely monitor official announcements from their respective schools and district education offices. Authorities stressed that updates on operational changes will be communicated regularly as flood conditions evolve.
Continuous monitoring and assistance are being carried out by education officials to ensure the school session can proceed without compromising the safety and well-being of the school community.
The flooding situation in Sarawak underscores how climate-related disruptions continue to challenge essential services, including education. As schools adapt through home-based learning and temporary relocations, the situation highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and regional resilience, lessons that remain relevant for neighboring countries like Indonesia and Singapore facing similar environmental risks.
Sources: NST (2026) , Sarawak Tribune (2026)
Keywords: Sarawak Flooding, School Closures, Education Department Sarawak, Flood Impact Schools, Home-Based Learning
