The Ministry of Education is expected to assist 144 schools both in the Northern and Eastern Division.

A statement from the Ministry said officials have identified about $1.6 million from its budgetary allocation to provide immediate assistance to the affected schools.

However, according to the Ministry, costs of rebuilding classrooms and quarters destroyed in the cyclone will be the responsibility of the Provincial Development Ministry.

The Education Ministry said it will assist in the purchasing of exercise books, pens and pencils for affected school children in both the Northern and Eastern divisions as its primary target is to provide immediate assistance to school communities badly affected by the cyclone.

Minister Filipe Bole is currently visiting few schools in the North to inspect the damages caused by cyclone Tomas.