Rabat, Morocco — Amidst the relentless embrace of nature’s fury, the city of Al Hoceima in northern Morocco has found itself grappling with the harsh realities of severe weather. The picturesque coastal town has been forced to take drastic measures, suspending classes across all public and private educational institutions due to an intense storm that has brought heavy rain and snowfall to the region.
The decision to halt academic activities was a collaborative effort between local authorities and the General Directorate of Meteorology, who issued a warning bulletin predicting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and local hail. In anticipation of these conditions, which were expected to affect provinces including Tangier-Assilah, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, and Al Hoceima, snowfall of up to 10 cm was forecasted in mountainous areas like Al Hoceima and Chefchaouen.
The suspension, effective from March 10, 2025, reflects a proactive approach by the regional directorates of national education to ensure the safety of students and staff. It is a precautionary measure that underscores the importance of safeguarding the well-being of the youth amidst extreme weather conditions.
This latest suspension follows a pattern of severe weather disruptions in the region, with several schools in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima area having already suspended classes earlier in March 2025 due to heavy rain and strong winds. The situation echoes a similar scenario in March 2024, when bad weather led to the temporary closure of institutions in isolated and mountainous regions of Al Hoceima, Tetouan, and Chefchaouen.
The impact of such weather events on education in the region is profound, not only disrupting the regular academic calendar but also affecting the mental health and well-being of students. Experts argue that such suspensions underscore the need for better infrastructure and planning to mitigate the effects of extreme weather on education in vulnerable regions.
The Ministry of Education has been proactive in issuing guidelines for schools to follow during extreme weather, including suspending school transport in risky areas and temporarily closing schools when deemed necessary. This approach is a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens, particularly the youth.
As the region braces for more severe weather conditions, the suspension of classes in Al Hoceima serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in the face of climate change. It is a call to action for both local and national authorities to invest in resilient infrastructure and educational systems that can withstand the unpredictable nature of the environment.
Source: AfricaNews
Additional reporting by ImNews
