Cyclone Mocha destroyed 1,337 schools in Rakhine State and if those schools arenot restored and reconstructed on time by the junta authorities, there will beno classes from 1 June next.

Except a few schools in the city of Sittwe, the officials have not visited anyeducational institutions in rural areas and no directives are issued from theauthorities.

"No instruction is given on repairing the schools. The list of studentshave to be enrolled on time. The highest authority must do the needful,” said alocal teacher.

The military government intends to reopen the schools from 1 June and applicationsfor admission across Myanmar are invited on 23 to 31 May.

The cyclonic storm hit Rakhine State on 14 May and devastated not just schoolsbut also other buildings including private houses and now the pupils have noplace to go for learning.

The affected townships include Sittwe, Rathedaung, Ponna Kyunt, Kyauk Taw,Mrauk U and Pauk Taw.

Daw Hla Hla, a lady with school going children informed that there is no schoolleft in her locality.

"How can you plan to reopen the schools? Most of the schools and privatehouses have been devastated by the storm,” added the lady.

Another woman from Pha Bwe village under Ponna Kyunt township questioned howthe villagers will send their children to schools where they have nothing toeat.

According to the newspapers on 23 May, run by the military council, claimedthat all the hospitals, clinics and schools were cleaned and restored with apriority. But the initiatives are not seen in Rakhine State that faced thestorm.

Some localities like Sittwe, Kyaukphyu and Thandwe have witnessed the governmentactions to reorganise the schools and clinics, but those in rural areas are yetto get the benefits.

Cyclone Mocha destroyed 18,3024 houses including 1711 religious buildings,59 monasteries, 1,397 schools, 227 hospitals/clinics, 11 communicationtowers, 119 flashlight poles, five transformers, one market and parts of twoairports.

The families, affected by the storm, now start getting relief items from themilitary council along with the ULA/AA and social organizations. But mostRakhine localities are still deprived of
necessary items including the food and medicine.

The people are urging the international community to support them at this timeof crisis, but not through the channels of the military rulers.