UM resumes classes after typhoon

Today (28 August), the University of Macau (UM) resumed the classes suspended earlier because of Typhoon Hato. Damaged classrooms have been basically repaired. Electricity for lighting, drinking water supply, and internet services have also been restored.

A second-year student surnamed Choi from the Department of Communication says that everything went as usual in the mathematics class she took this morning, with nobody skipping the class. Choi says although many students worked as volunteers on the weekend, climbing stairs to deliver food to residents affected by typhoon, they recovered after a night’s sleep and did not feel tired while attending this morning’s class. Another second-year student surnamed Chong from the Faculty of Business Administration says that the campus has been largely restored to normalcy, but many trees have been damaged. Luckily, the typhoon did not cause any major damage to teaching facilities.

UM will do its best to help students who have difficulty resuming normal studies because of the disaster. Those who need assistance should contact UM’s Registry (8822 4845) or Graduate School (8822 4249). The university will also provide counselling services to help affected staff and students cope with post-disaster reactions. 

During the typhoon, UM Rector Wei Zhao inspected the campus several times. He says that UM members’ endurance, resolute, patience, love, and kindness were critically tested in this disaster. ‘I am so proud to be a part of this community,’ he says. ‘Your continued effort in the last few days is greatly appreciated by not only the university community, but by Macao and beyond. We are confident that with this experience under our belt, we will be a better and stronger university.’