Punjab Flood Emergency: Multiple Districts Extend School Holidays

Punjab is facing one of the worst flood disasters in recent years, as rising waters have displaced entire communities and caused widespread damage across the province. According to official reports, at least 33 people have lost their lives, while more than 1.5 million residents have been directly affected. Thousands of families have been forced to leave their homes as floodwaters continue to spread.

Authorities revealed that over 2,300 villages are completely submerged, leaving nearly half a million people homeless or stranded. Rescue teams, with the support of the government and local volunteers, have been shifting people to safer locations. Camps have been set up to provide shelter, but many victims are still in urgent need of food, clean water, and medical help.

Due to the worsening conditions, the Punjab government has extended school holidays in several districts to ensure the safety of children and staff. Officials confirmed that many school buildings are either flooded or being used as temporary relief shelters for displaced families.

School Closures in Different Districts

Sialkot:
The district administration announced that both public and private schools will remain closed until September 5. Several school buildings in low-lying areas are still under water, making it unsafe for students to return.

Okara:
In flood-hit areas along the Sutlej and Ravi rivers, holidays have also been extended. According to government orders, schools in 32 affected localities will remain shut until September 7. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to rise.

Pakpattan:
The administration has canceled all leaves for government officials so they can focus on relief efforts. At the same time, more than 30 schools in the district have been closed because of severe flooding.

Narowal:
The deputy commissioner ordered a five-day closure of all public and private schools, from September 1 to 5. Roads and villages remain waterlogged, and residents are struggling to resume daily activities.

Chiniot:
The Punjab government has given authority to district commissioners to decide on school holidays based on local conditions. According to education officials, at least 97 public schools have already been affected by floodwaters. Decisions regarding closures are being made daily depending on the situation.

Lahore:
The deputy commissioner confirmed that most schools in the city will reopen on September 1. However, 45 schools located in flood-affected areas will remain closed because they have been converted into relief camps for displaced families. Teachers and staff are also assisting in distributing food and other essentials.

Other Districts:

• In some flood-hit regions, the holidays have been extended until September 6, as schools remain unsafe for children.
• District education authorities confirmed the closure of 145 schools in the worst-affected areas until September 5.
• In Hafizabad, the CEO of Education announced that the Government Special Education School in Pindi Bhattian will also stay closed until September 5. However, all other schools in the district will continue normal classes as they are not directly affected by the floods.

Situation at Large

The floods have disrupted not just education but also health services, transportation, and local businesses. Roads have been washed away in many places, making rescue operations difficult. Relief workers are urging for more support as thousands of families wait for food, medicine, and shelter.

Officials have reassured that every effort is being made to restore normalcy. However, with water levels still high and more rains expected, it may take weeks before life returns to normal in many districts.

READ MORE: All Public and Private Schools in Sialkot Closed Amid Flooding