Masaryk University cancels first week of classes

The floods that have hit much of Czechia have forced the cancellation of the first week of classes at Masaryk University in Brno. The extent of the flooding, which affected many students and faculty members, some of whom had to be evacuated, led to a unanimous decision by the University’s management. “According to information available to the Masaryk University’s Security Emergency Board, travel to some parts of central and northern Moravia has been severely disrupted. Many people are now worried about dealing with the aftermath of the floods. Similar advice has come from the Czech government ministries,” said MU Rector Martin Bareš, commenting on the cancellation of the first week of classes.

Masaryk University began the precautionary evacuation of around five hundred students from its two dormitories in Komárov on Thursday evening, while preventing other students from moving in. However, the dormitories were not spared the effects of the floods. “The extreme rainfall caused water to leak into the rooms of the Vinařská dormitory, which had recently been repaired after the spring hailstorms. Unfortunately, despite the recent renovation, water leaked in and we had to evacuate about ten rooms,” said Masaryk University bursar Marta Valešová, adding that the suspension of student arrivals in the dormitories will remain in place until further notice. The time gained by cancelling classes in the first week will allow the University to identify and repair any damage.

The Deans’ decision is based on available data, according to which about two thirds of Masaryk University’s students come from outside the South Moravian Region. “All students and staff received this information by email and SMS, which we use in our emergency communication,” added Rector Martin Bareš.