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At least 72 schools in six districts in the Eastern Cape suffered damage during last week's gale force winds that swept across the province, leading to two fatalities in Buffalo City Metro.
The Eastern Cape Education Department damage estimates will run into millions of Rands.
Bhisho Education Department spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima, said the persistent rain and strong winds left close to 28 000 learners needing to be accommodated in local halls and churches.
He said the most affected district is Buffalo City Metro where 40 schools suffer extensive damage while a further 21 schools need assistance.
"As part of responding quickly to the disaster, District Directors were instructed to ensure Works Inspectors are deployed immediately to all affected schools upon getting a report. Schools were also informed to report the matter to the police," Mtima said.
"Parents and learners are urged to be patient during the process while the department explores all the available avenues to ensure the process becomes a success."
He said in addition, schools were instructed to ensure that where asbestos is affected, the classrooms are vacated without fail.
"Each school was informed to ensure affected areas are cordoned off and that all occupied premises are safe for human occupation. Affected Districts have been instructed to forward all the quantified reports as the provincial office will cover all the damaged schools," Mtima said.
He added that as soon as the assessment reports and cost estimates are completed and processed, the Department would be issuing tender documents to contractors to do the work.
The Department said the appointment and hand-over of sites to contractors are expected to be finalised in the second week of October.
