PESHAWAR: All government and private Winter Zone Schools in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) cold, mountainous areas will remain closed from August 19 to 25 due to heavy rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods, officials said.
Education Minister Faisal Khan Tarakai confirmed the closure on X, saying, “Schools in the high-altitude regions will remain closed for a week. All academic activities will continue at home or online.”
Normally, summer vacations in these areas last from July 1 to 31, while schools in the plains and low-lying regions are on break until August 31.
The schools will stay closed for a week to keep students safe from heavy rains and possible flash floods. Teachers have been asked to continue lessons at home or online, and all school activities, including sports and events, are paused until further notice.
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The order, signed by KP Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Kami Rain, has been sent to key officials, including the Principal Secretaries to the Governor and Chief Minister and all district education officers for immediate action.
Authorities said the closure might be extended depending on weather conditions and urged residents to follow local weather updates.
Relief Funds Released for Flood Victims:
The provincial government released Rs800 million in relief funds for all affected districts, with an extra Rs500 million specifically for worst-hit Buner, as flash floods continue to hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
So far, the floods have killed at least 341 people and injured 178, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Buner is the worst-affected district, recording 222 deaths and 120 injuries, followed by Shangla, which reported 36 deaths and 21 injuries.
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Mansehra and Bajaur recorded 21 deaths each, while Swat saw 20 deaths and heavy damage to houses and livestock. Other districts, including Lower Dir, Battagram, and Nowshera, also reported deaths and damages.
Swabi district was hit by a strong cloudburst in Gadoon Amazai, killing at least 11 people and leaving more than 33 missing. Many houses were washed away or damaged by landslides, and rescue teams are trying to save those trapped under the rubble. In another village, Sar Koi Payan, nine members of the same family were buried under debris from the cloudburst.
The PDMA and provincial government are monitoring the situation, providing relief, and coordinating rescue operations. Residents are urged to stay alert and follow local weather updates.
