Schools remain to closed as heavy rains flood streets and force thousands of students to stay home. Authorities say the move is meant to protect students amid severe weather conditions, urban flooding, and traffic disruptions affecting several cities. Both public and private institutions are covered by the order, which comes as power outages and blocked roads make commuting unsafe.
Education department officials explained that this step is a precautionary measure to avoid putting children at risk. In many areas, rainwater has inundated streets, making travel dangerous for students and teachers. Meteorological reports suggest that the downpour will continue, raising fears of further flooding in low-lying neighborhoods.
The persistent rains have already damaged homes, infrastructure, and essential services. Local administrations are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution during the wet conditions. The situation has also renewed focus on Pakistan’s environmental vulnerabilities, particularly in light of climate change and poorly maintained urban drainage systems. Experts warn that such extreme weather events will become more frequent unless long-term solutions are put in place.
Concerns over water management have also resurfaced. Analysts point out that while cities are dealing with flooding, the country as a whole is confronting a looming water crisis. As highlighted in a recent report on Pakistan crossing the water scarcity threshold, both excess and shortage of water are urgent challenges that demand coordinated action.
Parents have welcomed the decision that schools remain to closed, stressing that safety should be the priority. “It’s difficult for us to send our children to school when roads are flooded and public transport is unreliable,” said one Karachi resident. Teachers also expressed relief, noting that attendance drops significantly during heavy rains and commuting becomes unsafe.
Meanwhile, municipal authorities are working to clear drainage systems and monitor flood-prone areas. Emergency response teams remain on high alert, and rescue operations continue in regions most affected by the downpour.
The government has advised citizens to stay updated through official weather reports and to report emergencies to local disaster management units. While the current closure is for two days, officials have not ruled out extending it if conditions fail to improve.
As communities adjust to the disruption, there is growing agreement that proper urban planning and preventive measures are vital to protect cities, schools, and residents from the recurring impacts of extreme weather.
