The recent wave of floods in Punjab has once again disrupted academic life, forcing thousands of schools to shut down. Education authorities have announced extended closures to ensure the safety of students and staff, as many school buildings remain surrounded by floodwater. This decision has left more than 680,000 students out of classrooms, raising concerns about academic loss in the affected regions.
Schools Closed in Pindi Bhattian
In Pindi Bhattian, schools in 111 flood-hit villages will remain closed until September 12, 2025. According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Education, the extension was unavoidable since several schools are still inaccessible. Teachers and staff have been instructed not to reopen institutions until conditions improve.
Closures in Sialkot and Nearby Districts
In Sialkot district, Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali confirmed that 80 schools across Sialkot, Daska, Pasrur, and Sambrial tehsils will stay closed until September 10, 2025. She emphasized that the safety of children remains the government’s top priority as many premises are still under water.
Official Data on Damaged Schools
Punjab’s School Education Secretary, Khalid Nazir Wattoo, revealed shocking statistics on the extent of flood damage to schools:
| School Status | Number of Schools |
|---|---|
| Total closed | 2,925 |
| Fully damaged | 1,151 |
| Partially damaged | 817 |
| Completely destroyed | 45 |
These figures highlight the severe impact on Punjab’s education system.
Schools Turned into Relief Camps
To support flood victims, the government has converted more than 1,700 schools into temporary relief camps. These centers are providing food, shelter, and medical aid to displaced families. However, this initiative has also disrupted regular classes, especially in girls’ schools (1,505) and boys’ schools (1,420).
Impact on Education
The continuous closure of schools has disturbed academic schedules, delayed exams, and interrupted daily learning. Teachers and parents fear long-term consequences for children’s education if disruptions continue. The government, however, has assured that remedial measures such as extra classes, adjusted timetables, and learning materials will be introduced once schools reopen.
Conclusion
The closure of schools due to floods in Punjab is a difficult but necessary step to safeguard students’ lives. With thousands of schools damaged and hundreds converted into relief camps, more than 680,000 students are affected. Authorities have promised to reopen schools as soon as conditions improve and take steps to minimize learning loss. The situation underlines the urgent need for long-term disaster management strategies to protect education during natural calamities.
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