Flood Situation Forces Closure of Schools
Ongoing floods across Punjab have once again forced the closure of thousands of government schools, leaving hundreds of thousands of children out of classrooms. The decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff, as floodwater continues to damage educational institutions and disrupt normal life in many districts.
According to education officials, schools in 111 flood-hit villages of Pindi Bhattian will remain closed until September 12. The Chief Executive Education confirmed that the extension of holidays was necessary because school buildings are still surrounded by floodwater.
Closures in Sialkot and Other Districts
In Sialkot, Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali announced that 80 schools in Sialkot, Daska, Pasrur, and Sambrial tehsils will remain shut until September 10. She added that safety remains the top priority, as many school premises are still under water.
The scale of the disaster is significant. Punjab’s School Education Secretary, Khalid Nazir Wattoo, revealed that 2,925 government schools across the province are currently closed. Among these, 1,151 have been fully damaged, 817 partially damaged, and 45 completely destroyed by floodwater.
Schools Turned into Flood Relief Camps
To provide shelter and aid to affected families, over 1,700 schools have been converted into flood relief camps. While this step supports flood victims, it has also put a complete halt to regular classes in many areas.
Data shows that 1,505 girls’ schools and 1,420 boys’ schools remain shut, affecting the education of more than 680,000 students. Districts with the highest number of closures include Gujrat, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Multan divisions.
Safety of Children Comes First
Authorities have assured parents that closing schools is a necessary step to protect children from any danger. Officials explained that many school buildings are flooded, making it unsafe to resume classes. Parents and students have been urged to cooperate during this difficult time, as safety and health remain the government’s top concern.
Impact on Education
The repeated closure of schools due to natural disasters has created challenges for both teachers and students. Prolonged breaks may affect academic schedules, exam preparations, and daily learning. However, the government has promised that once the situation improves, measures will be taken to help students recover the loss of studies.
Conclusion
The floods in Punjab have caused large-scale damage to schools, leaving thousands of children without proper classrooms. While the closures bring challenges for education, authorities emphasize that protecting lives is more important than academic calendars. The government is working on relief and rehabilitation, and once conditions improve, students will be able to return safely to their schools.