PESHAWAR: (PAKHTUN ENGLISH) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a week-long closure of all public and private schools in the winter zones across the province due to growing concerns about potential floods caused by possible cloudbursts, flash floods, and heavy rainfall.
According to a notification issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elementary and Secondary Education (KPESE) Department on Monday, this decision is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school staff.
The notification references warnings from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) regarding severe weather conditions expected to affect various regions of the province in the coming days. Authorities have expressed concern about the risk of cloudbursts and flash floods, especially in vulnerable areas.
The Malakand Division, which includes districts such as Buner, Shangla, and the former tribal areas, has already experienced significant devastation due to recent torrential rains and flooding. Reports indicate damage to infrastructure, blocked roads, and the displacement of local populations, necessitating urgent government intervention.
Educational institutions will remain closed for seven days starting Tuesday, August 19; further decisions will depend on weather developments and safety assessments by the relevant authorities.
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Officials have urged citizens to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas, and adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities.
