As record rainfall caused widespread flooding in Hanoi on September 30, many parents were forced to wade through deep water to pick up their children from school. Some voiced strong criticism of the city’s education sector, particularly the Department of Education and Training, for failing to issue timely school closure notices.

After hours of heavy rain, Hanoi was virtually submerged, with several schools turning into isolated “islands” surrounded by floodwaters. By the evening of September 30, many parents found themselves unable to retrieve their children, who were forced to spend the night at school.

Several parents criticized the Hanoi Department of Education and Training for being slow and unprepared, accusing it of lacking initiative in the face of such an emergency.

Speaking with VietNamNet, an education expert remarked that the department and schools appeared passive and slow to react to the extensive flooding. He noted that Hanoi should have had experience managing weather events like this from previous storms.

“Hanoi’s education sector - including individual schools - should have acted more decisively. Thankfully, my two children attend different schools, and both were notified of closures by 6 a.m. on September 30. That was thanks to the initiative of the school principals, not the department. Leadership is demonstrated in timely decisions. It’s acceptable to choose safety, but when thousands of students, teachers, and parents are affected, education officials must react swiftly and adapt quickly,” he said.

The expert added that natural disasters and emergencies occur almost every year, yet it remains unclear how decision-making is delegated in education. Are there established standards that allow principals, local officials, or education departments to make these calls?

While decentralization policies may exist, criteria remain vague - especially regarding accountability. This ambiguity often leads to hesitation among school leaders, particularly in public institutions, who fear taking responsibility for decisions that could affect thousands of families.

“This fear of accountability is a weak point in local leadership. Decisions are often made within a ‘safe zone’ rather than boldly and proactively,” the expert said.

He argued that giving schools more authority to make localized decisions is necessary, especially since flooding can vary significantly between districts.

“Where flooding is severe, schools should be allowed to notify parents early and take full responsibility for that decision. But to enable that kind of autonomy, leaders - especially principals - must be willing to act and accept accountability. That’s still a challenge,” he added.

Delayed decision sparks debate among parents and officials

Teacher Vu Khac Ngoc, also a father of three, said he was caught off guard by the intensity of the September 30 downpour.

“At 6:30 a.m., when we left home, the rain was still light. My children used their own umbrellas to get to the bus stop. I assumed it would be a typical morning shower like we’ve seen after past storms. But just 2-3 hours later, it turned into a torrential downpour,” Ngoc said.

He believes the incident revealed a lack of coordination between meteorological agencies and administrative decision-makers.

“This is a critical lesson for future natural disaster preparedness,” he added.

Ngoc emphasized the importance of having clearly defined protocols and emergency plans to avoid subjective decision-making.

“For example, there are clear rules for cold weather: if temperatures drop below 10°C, elementary students get the day off. But for rain and flooding, conditions vary widely, so cities like Hanoi should delegate authority to school principals to decide on closures, with an obligation to explain their decisions.”

He believes that having transparent guidelines promotes discipline and prevents arbitrary decisions. At the same time, education officials must recognize that modern families have higher expectations for safety and convenience.

“Remote learning is no longer a foreign concept. Students are well-equipped and familiar with online learning since the pandemic. So flexible decision-making is essential to ensure families are not unnecessarily burdened,” Ngoc said.

Hanoi education department responds to criticism over slow school closure decision

Following public complaints about its delayed response to flooding, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training (DOET) said the decision to close all schools required careful consideration.

Due to the effects of Tropical Storm Bualoi, Hanoi experienced heavy rain and widespread flooding on September 30. Some schools allowed parents to pick up children early in the afternoon, but chaotic traffic and flooded streets meant many families spent hours trying to get their children home.

In some extreme cases, students had to remain at school overnight, or were evacuated with assistance from military vehicles to ensure their safety.

The disruption sparked frustration among parents, with some criticizing the DOET for not announcing a citywide school closure earlier that day.

A DOET representative explained that such decisions must be made carefully.

“If we had suddenly announced school closures while many students were already en route or at school, it would have caused widespread confusion and left parents scrambling for childcare. The heavy rain didn’t start until around 8:20 a.m., but most families had dropped off their children between 6 and 8 a.m.,” the official said.

Furthermore, not all districts were equally affected. Some schools remained dry and fully functional, the department added.

“That’s why the DOET has previously issued guidance encouraging schools to adopt their own flexible learning plans based on local conditions,” the official noted.

In some cases, schools were advised to keep students on-site and ensure their safety rather than sending them home during hazardous conditions.

After coordinating with city traffic and infrastructure authorities on the evening of September 30, and learning that floodwaters might not recede quickly, the DOET decided to close all schools in Hanoi on October 1.

The department also issued a directive instructing schools to:

Monitor weather forecasts closely.
Prepare emergency plans following the “four-on-the-spot” principle (resources, command, logistics, and personnel).
Secure property and relocate vulnerable equipment and documents.
Avoid holding outdoor activities or group events in flood-prone areas.
Establish communication lines with parents to manage student safety and minimize risks.
If students cannot attend school, implement alternative learning formats, including online classes.
Sanitize classrooms post-flooding to ensure hygiene and prevent disease outbreaks.

An Thao - Thanh Hung