The Ministry of Education has announced a temporary closure of schools on today, Monday, December 16, 2024, due to the expected landfall of Cyclone Chido.

According to a letter signed by Education Secretary Rachel Chimbwete, schools in Mangochi, Machinga, Phalombe, Balaka, Mulanje, Blantyre,Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Zomba, Mwanza and Neno, as well as Ntcheu and Dedza, are advised to suspend classes tomorrow.

However, boarding schools have been instructed to keep students on campus and the management to keep on safe students. Cyclone Chido is expected to pass by Monday afternoon, and classes will resume on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

This precautionary measure is based on technical advice from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, which predicts heavy rainfall and strong winds in the affected areas caused by cyclone Chido.