Strong wind causes roof damage to Chapuria classroom building, school calls for urgent assistance

By Alfred Pagepitu  

Strong winds associated with the current bad weather destroyed the roof of a classroom building at Chapuria Community High School in South Guadalcanal around 3pm today.

The damage now left students without a learning space.

The school enrolled more than 500 students from its catchment area.

Deputy Principal Gud Jackson told SIBC News that the violent wind blew away the rooftop, leaving classrooms exposed and unusable.

There are no casualties.

“No injuries have been reported, but what I see now is that our school academic year will not start early due to the damage to the classrooms.”

Jackson said the destruction will affect school programs and activities, while most schools in the country are preparing to start their academic year.

 “These are very strong winds that have combined to damage our classroom, which is usually where our children learn.”

He explained that temporary arrangements are being planned so students can continue learning despite the weather.

“We will plan temporary arrangements so students can continue learning. If not, we will discuss how we can quickly repair the school or temporarily set up a site for our children to start their classes while the country is still under the heavy rain warning,” Jackson added.

“The incident has caused a lot of disturbances to our children, but we hope to quickly build a temporary site. We will discuss this with the school board, staff, and principal.”

Jackson called on government authorities to assess the situation quickly.

 “On behalf of the school administration, the principal, and the school board, as Deputy Principal, I would be very pleased if the government could step in quickly to help us, along with the Disaster Council that is managing the situation at this time.”

 He urged parents to follow updates closely while the bad weather continues and appealed to politicians for support:

 “We also ask our Member of Parliament, Hon. Rollen Seleso, to show his support during this time of disaster, to help secure the future of our children and ensure they can start school as soon as possible.”

The incident comes as the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service has issued a heavy rain and strong wind warning, cautioning residents about possible flooding and hazardous conditions across several provinces.

Parents are advised to stay tuned for updates on school reopening, repairs, and temporary classrooms, as authorities work to ensure students can resume learning safely.

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