Aberystwyth University evacuates 600 students following extreme weather reports

UK: 600 students studying at Aberystwyth University are to be evacuated from their accommodation halls as a precautionary measure following weather reports of high tides, strong winds and heavy rain.

Officials at the university have asked students to stay away from the seafront for the weekend and have suspended all teaching activities in preparation for the event.

In an email sent to students, the university said: “Following advice from Natural Resources Wales and Ceredigion County Council, the University has taken the decision to cancel ALL teaching activities on Friday 31 January and Monday 3 February 2014.

Those students affected will be offered suitable alternative accommodation at no charge.

Rebecca Davies, pro vice-chancellor for Student and Staff Services, said: “Our priority is the safety of our students and staff.

“The forecast high winds combined with the high tides are likely to make the seafront at Aberystwyth a very hazardous place this weekend and it is paramount for us that everyone living in residences on the sea front have alternative accommodation, and are out of harm’s way.”

The Met Office is predicting 20 to 30 millimetres of rainfall, along with gale-force winds and high tides. It has also issued a yellow ‘be prepared’ alert warning.

Second-year undergraduate Millie Farmer told the Daily Post: “We’ve been given plenty of notice.

“The weather’s okay at the moment, but I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Plus, we get a four-day weekend now and a Monday lie in.”

Earlier this month, 150 students also along the seafront were evacuated following strong storms which hit the Aberystwyth area.

(Source: Independent.co.uk)