The Ministry of Education has announced the closure of all public schools today as persistent heavy rainfall continues to affect the island.
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services has upgraded its advisory, placing Antigua and Barbuda under a flash flood watch. The alert extends to several neighboring Leeward Islands, including Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands.
According to reports, several schools across Antigua have experienced significant flooding, making it unsafe and impractical to continue operations. As a result, the Ministry has granted permission for all affected schools to close for the day.
Principals have been advised to exercise extreme caution when dismissing students, noting that ongoing thunderstorms may pose additional safety hazards. Students should not be left waiting outdoors for extended periods while transportation arrangements are being made.
Parents and guardians are urged to collect their children promptly, keep them indoors, and use caution when traveling.
Residents are further reminded to monitor official weather updates and avoid crossing flooded roads or waterways until conditions improve.
Why are they now making this statement??? We were warned since yesterday about the flooding. Now children are stuck at school in inclimate weather
Seem as if Raju Boddu departure angered the weather.
That’s the right move. Except that some students parents are still home so unless work is dismissed too it may not serve convenient for some people
Wow! I don’t see the point in meteorological services, if effective warnings and coordination cannot be made. This is rather late notice. Would have been more convenient for parents to be warned so children could stay home and not be sent to school in the 1st place. But Antigua nice bad.
At least the children are safe at home better than risking flooded roads.
Why weren’t we notified of this earlier. It was dangerous to have allowed students to attend school with this pending flooding.
This is blatant incompetence which put students and residents at risk. Was the flooding at the MET office the cause?
As much as I love a good storm day, this is serious business. Flash floods pop up fast and catch people off guard. Everyone should stay indoors unless it’s absolutely necessary.