NOT many teenagers would know how to react in the face of a catastrophic hurricane - but Huntington School pupils are more knowledgeable than most.

The students tested their geography, maths and technology skills while taking part in the Rapid Response Challenge, based on Hurricane Mitch, which hit Honduras in 1998.

With the help of the Institution of Civil Engineers, maps and given information, pupils identified fresh water sources and worked on the water supply routes, identified transport routes for supplies and designed and built shelters.

Jane Allen, of Huntington School, said: "These tasks are designed to encourage our pupils to be practical problem-solvers."

Updated: 09:27 Wednesday, June 23, 2004