A student of Naggo Head Primary School in Portmore, St. Catherine, pulls her bag through water after school was suspended yesterday due to flooding from overnight rain. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

At least two schools were forced to close early yesterday and several others reported low attendance, as heavy rains pelted the island and prevented students from attending classes.

Hopeton Henry, principal of Seaforth High School, told The Gleaner yesterday that the 250 students who turned up for the morning shift were sent home as only a few teachers reported for work.

Mr. Henry noted that this was as a result of flooding in neighbouring communities.

Up to late yesterday afternoon, St. Thomas experienced heavy rainfall. Mr. Henry said parents should monitor the situation before sending students out for classes today, noting that the premises were filled with puddles of water.

Classes suspended

Classes at Yallahs Primary School were also suspended as only 50 out of the 1,300 student population reported for classes. Vice-principal, Maurice Bogle, told The Gleaner that flooding in surrounding communities was a contributing factor to the poor attendance yesterday.

He also noted that whenever it rains, it becomes impossible for students to walk on the roadway leading to the institution, as it is usually inundated.

Meanwhile, attendance was adversely affected at other schools.

At the Allman Town Primary School, in Kingston, less than a quarter of the school population turned out for classes.

Principal of the school, Beril Esson-Jacobs, told The Gleaner that fewer than 100 of the more than 500 students enrolled at the school turned out for classes yesterday.

She noted, however, that all staff members were present for work.

Acting principal of Lyssons Primary, in St. Thomas, Elvera Edmondson, said only 500 of the 1,000 students reported for school yesterday.

Reports reaching The Gleaner are that many other schools across the country were affected by the inclement weather.