Asir Education Department suspends in-person classes in 6 governorates due to bad weather
The General Directorate of Education in the Asir region announced the suspension of in-person classes on Thursday, 16/09/1447 AH, in a number of its affiliated governorates, based on reports received from the National Center for Meteorology, and out of concern for the safety of male and female students and the educational and administrative staff.
The administration clarified via its official account that the decision includes switching to distance learning via the "My School" platform for schools located within the "red alert" zone due to weather fluctuations. This decision encompasses schools in the city of Abha, and the governorates of Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Tanomah, Al-Namas, and Balqarn, in addition to all centers and villages affiliated with these governorates.
Red alert and harsh weather conditions
This decision comes as an immediate response to warnings from the National Center for Meteorology, which issues a "red alert" in cases of severe weather phenomena that necessitate caution. The Asir region, particularly its mountainous areas (the Sarawat Mountains), is characterized by a unique geographical and climatic nature that makes it susceptible to rapid weather changes, including heavy rainfall, hail, and dense fog that reduces horizontal visibility, potentially posing a risk to school transportation and safe access to educational facilities.
Digital transformation and the continuation of the educational process
This measure reflects the high level of preparedness of the education sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where weather conditions are no longer an obstacle to the continuation of education. The digital infrastructure, represented by the "My School" platform, has proven its high efficiency as a strategic and reliable alternative that ensures students do not miss their lessons. This flexible transformation is part of the educational gains achieved in the Kingdom over the past years, and is in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 to activate e-learning and artificial intelligence to serve the educational process in various circumstances.
Safety priority and government coordination
The Ministry of Education consistently affirms that the safety of its staff is its top priority, and grants education directors the necessary authority to suspend classes based on field data and reports from relevant authorities. This decision is made in ongoing coordination with the Civil Defense and the National Center for Meteorology to ensure proactive measures are taken to protect the school community from any potential risks resulting from flooding or poor visibility.
