The Ministry of Education (Mineduc) confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, that classes will resume this Wednesday, October 21, in the Metropolitan, Antofagasta, Coquimbo and O'Higgins regions. Classes in those four regions had been suspended as a precaution because of the weather front.
According to CNN Chile, the ministry announced the decision on social media. It asked families to contact their schools directly if their children face any particular circumstances.
On its X account, @Mineduc wrote that classes would resume in the four regions and urged families to check with each school for information. In a statement reported by Meganoticias, the ministry added: "We recommend that families stay informed through their schools".
The recommendation has a practical reason. The return applies generally, but some schools could have specific problems affecting their operations. Parents and guardians should therefore check their school's official channels for any exceptions or specific instructions. The ministry did not specify which schools might be in that situation.
Authorities suspended classes because Tuesday was expected to be the week's most critical day for rainfall. The Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC) forecast up to 35 millimeters in the Metropolitan Region on that day alone. According to Meganoticias, the measure also sought to prevent risks such as mass movements, meaning landslides in vulnerable areas.
The weather front also required other measures. The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) ordered the evacuation of the Ribera del Río settlement in Talagante because the Mapocho River had overflowed. Starting this Wednesday, October 21, students in the four regions will return to classrooms unless their school announces otherwise.
