Severe Storm Damages Collège Victor Hugo in Ham, Somme

Severe weather on June 18, 2026, caused significant damage to the Collège Victor Hugo in Ham, Somme, including a torn zinc roof and water infiltration in the cafeteria and documentation center. According to local authorities, 110 third-year students will relocate to Lycée Jean-Charles Athanase Peltier to ensure the continuity of the national brevet diploma exams.

Christelle Hiver, president of the Departmental Council of the Somme, and Philippe Destable, the academic director of national education services, visited the site on June 19 to evaluate the damage. They coordinated with local elected officials to assess the structural impact on the facility.

What damage occurred at Collège Victor Hugo?

Winds tore a zinc portion of the roof from one of the buildings, according to official reports. This breach led to water infiltration in the school’s dining hall and the Centre de documentation et d’information (CDI).

Officials confirmed that classrooms remained untouched. The Department immediately deployed roofers to install tarps, while electricians worked to restore power and alarm systems. Crews also began removing debris and installing dehumidifiers in the affected areas.

Did You Know? The Departmental Council has activated a dedicated “natural disaster” fund specifically to support communes impacted by these exceptional climatic events.

How is the school managing student education?

A temporary organizational plan takes effect on June 22 to minimize disruption. Students in 6th, 5th, and 4th grades will transition to remote learning.

Collège Victor Hugo Ham

The 110 students in the 3rd grade will move to the Lycée professionnel Jean-Charles Athanase Peltier in Ham. This facility will host both their preparation and the actual tests for the national brevet diploma. To support this move, the school cafeteria service will also transfer to the lycée.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the decision to bifurcate the student body—shifting younger grades to remote work while physically relocating exam-year students—prioritizes high-stakes academic outcomes. By utilizing the Lycée Peltier, the administration mitigates the risk of exam failure due to facility closure.

What happens next for the facility?

Authorities may allow students to return to in-person learning by July 1. This timeline is not guaranteed and depends entirely on the progress of the repair work.

Departmental and academic leaders have praised the speed of the technical and educational teams. Their efforts are intended to ensure pedagogical continuity despite the weather damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which parts of the school were damaged by the storm?
The damage primarily affected a zinc section of the roof, the cafeteria, and the Centre de documentation et d’information (CDI). Classrooms were not impacted.

Where will 3rd-year students attend classes and exams?
The 110 students in the 3rd grade will be hosted at the Lycée professionnel Jean-Charles Athanase Peltier in Ham.

When is the estimated date for students to return to the college?
Authorities hope for a return to in-person attendance by July 1, depending on the advancement of the works.

How should local governments balance immediate emergency repairs with long-term climate resilience for public schools?