KARACHI: Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah has ordered a stop to classes in school buildings deemed dangerous during recent rains.
The Sindh Education Department has written to all Directors of School Education requesting details of the affected schools and asking the administrations to arrange repairs.
The letter instructs that information from all divisions of Sindh be submitted and that teaching activities be moved to safe locations.
It also stated that the recent rains have caused significant damage to school buildings in several districts, and details of the affected schools must be submitted within seven days.
It should be noted that the heavy rains have also caused deaths and severe disruption in Karachi. Three children were among four people killed in rain-related incidents on Wednesday evening, raising the city’s death toll to 14.
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The rains, continuing for a second day, damaged the city’s fragile infrastructure, burst drains and sewers, disrupted industries, and caused long power and internet outages. The provincial administration announced a public holiday due to the situation.
Two unidentified children drowned in the Lyari River in Liaquatabad and near Al-Asif Square in Sohrab Goth. Another boy drowned while swimming in accumulated rainwater off the Northern Bypass. An unidentified man in his early 60s also drowned, while two brothers were electrocuted in Shah Faisal Colony when one tried to save the other.
Heavy rainfall was reported across the city, including Saddar, Malir, Gulistan-i-Jauhar, and other areas. Orangi Town recorded the highest rainfall at 37mm from two spells, followed by PAF Faisal Base with 32mm.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department warned of thunderstorms and strong winds, advising people to stay alert. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab urged residents to avoid movement and stay indoors if it rains again.
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