Schools in Punjab Remain Closed Amid Floods in Hafizabad and Other Districts
In the wake of recent severe flooding, schools in Punjab remain closed amid floods for another week in many areas, especially in Hafizabad’s Pindi Bhattian district. Local authorities have extended holidays for all primary, middle, and high schools in 111 flood-hit villages until September 12. They say many school buildings suffered damage or remain surrounded by water.
Extent of the Damage and Disruption
Official data from the Punjab School Education Department shows that nearly 2,925 government schools across Punjab are still closed because of flood-related issues.
817 schools are partially damaged,
45 schools are completely destroyed, and
Over 1,700 schools are being used currently as relief camps for displaced families.
In addition to Hafizabad, districts like Sialkot, Multan, Muzaffargarh, and Chiniot are among the worst affected. In those districts, many schools remain shut, either flooded, structurally unsafe, or occupied by relief operations.
Safety First: Why Schools Cannot Reopen Yet
Authorities say reopening schools immediately would compromise student and staff safety. Key reasons include flooded classrooms, damaged roofs, compromised walls, and contaminated grounds.
Before reopening, all affected schools must be inspected and certified safe by relevant authorities.
Some schools have been converted into makeshift shelters for people displaced by floods. In those cases, reopening is further delayed until relief operations finish and premises are restored.
Impact on Students, Teachers, and Communities
The extended closures mean students in these flood-hit regions have lost valuable class time. Exams, homework, and school routines are being disrupted. Teachers are unable to resume regular coursework in many places.
Parents are being advised to keep contact with school administrations for updates. Some students are also relying on self-study at home where possible.
Community groups are calling on the government to speed up the repair work. Many say that delays in restoring infrastructure — especially in rural and low-lying areas — are hampering recovery.
What Authorities Are Doing
Deputy Commissioners and the District Education Authority have issued official notifications extending closures and postponing reopening dates. Safety inspections are being prioritized. Schools will reopen only after they pass structural integrity checks and floodwaters have been cleared.
Relief efforts continue: some damaged schools are being repaired, and temporary arrangements are being made for students in the worst-hit zones.
Outlook and Challenges
While authorities aim to reopen schools by mid-September, exact timelines depend on how fast conditions improve. If rains continue or floodwaters linger, further delays are possible.
Major challenges include restoring safe drinking water, sanitizing premises, fixing infrastructure, and ensuring that flood relief camps do not interfere with future school use.
As schools in Punjab remain closed amid floods, students, parents, and teachers are caught in the uncertainty of resumed education. Safety concerns and damage are real, but authorities are under pressure to act quickly. The priority is to guarantee that when schools reopen, they are secure, clean, and ready for learning. Ongoing monitoring and swift restoration work will determine how soon normal classes can return for flood-affected Punjab.
