Deadly Rains Lead To One-Week School Closures In Pakistan

Due to intense rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, authorities have taken the precautionary measure of shutting down schools and colleges. The adverse weather conditions, characterized by heavy showers and snowfall, have resulted in severe consequences across various regions of the country, including KP, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir. Tragically, at least seven lives have been lost, and significant damage has been inflicted upon the infrastructure.

In response to the challenging circumstances, the government of KP has made the decision to close educational institutions in Abbottabad, Chitral, and Upper Dir districts. The primary concern driving this choice is the immense difficulty faced by young learners in commuting to school amid the ongoing harsh weather conditions. In the districts of Chitral and Upper Dir, the closure of schools has been extended to a duration of three days.

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Likewise, in Balochistan, schools and colleges are set to remain closed for a week, responding to the destructive impact of heavy rains in areas such as Gwadar and Chaman. A notification issued by the caretaker government of Balochistan officially communicates the decision to keep educational institutions shut for the specified duration, citing the unfavorable weather conditions as the primary rationale.

The severity of the situation prompted the Balochistan government to declare a state of emergency in rain-affected areas, particularly Gwadar. In a collaborative effort to address the crisis, the armed forces have been mobilized to assist the local administration. This collective response underscores the gravity of the situation and the imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected populace.