A recent earthquake in the Tainan and Chiayi area of Taiwan has sent over 100 junior high school students back to elementary school.
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The January 21 Tainan-Chiayi earthquake and subsequent aftershocks caused damage to 181 school buildings and facilities in Tainan City. The Education Department began restoration work soon after the quake, allowing most schools to resume classes this Wednesday. Students at Nanshi Junior High School, however, have not been as fortunate, having to move their courses to Nanshi Elementary School while reconstruction takes place for an estimated three years.
The school’s principal, Cheng Chun-chieh (鄭俊杰) pointed out a hole in one of the walls as an example of the structural damage that needs to be fixed before students can return safely to classes. He also noted that 105 students and 22 teachers and staff members have been transferred to the facility.
Although the elementary and junior high school students are sharing the campus, they will have their own independent spaces for activities.
Cheng triggers an earthquake drill by ringing a bell, prompting the students to hide under their desks, after which they put on helmets and head outside.
The school says it may take some time for students to adapt to the change of venue, and that it hopes reconstruction can be completed to allow everyone to return to their own campus as soon as possible.