Santa Cruz schools suspend in-person classes due to Galapagos flooding

Educational institutions in the Santa Cruz canton of the Galapagos Islands have suspended in-person classes following severe flooding. The Ministry of Education announced that the measure applies to all public, municipal, and private schools, effective Monday, November 2.

The decision follows an emergency declaration by the Cantonal Emergency Operations Committee (COE) after heavy rains between October 30 and October 31 caused significant damage. Flooding has impacted homes, damaged roads, and forced families to evacuate in sectors such as Bellavista, La Unión, and Las Cascadas.

To ensure academic continuity, schools will transition to a non-presential modality using pedagogical guides and flexible educational resources. There is currently no set date for the return to classrooms, as authorities will monitor the situation and wait for the emergency declaration and National Red Alert to be lifted.