The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has announced the closure of all government and private schools in the cold, mountainous regions of the province from August 19 to 25 in the wake of devastating flash floods and cloudbursts that have claimed hundreds of lives.
Education Minister Faisal Khan Tarakai confirmed the decision on Monday, sharing the official notification on X. He stated that all educational institutions in high-altitude areas would remain closed for a week, with students advised to continue their studies from home or online.
Authorities clarified that summer vacations in these regions usually run from July 1 to 31, but the sudden closure was deemed necessary amid warnings of more heavy rains and potential flash floods. In contrast, schools in the plains and low-lying areas of K-P are already observing extended summer vacations until August 31.
The decision comes after a powerful cloudburst struck Swabi district on Monday, unleashing floods and lightning in remote mountainous villages. At least 25 people were killed and 35 injured, with the worst destruction reported in Dalori Bala and Sarkoi Payan of the Gadoon Amazai region, where dozens of homes collapsed. Many residents were trapped under the debris.
Swabi Deputy Commissioner Nasrullah Khan confirmed that Dalori Bala alone reported 20 deaths, including women, children, and the elderly. Rescue operations are ongoing, with officials recovering bodies and injured survivors from the wreckage.
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At the national level, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that at least 670 people have died and more than 1,000 others have been injured in recent rains, floods, and landslides across Pakistan. NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik warned that two to three more monsoon spells are expected, with the current spell likely to persist until Friday. He said conditions are expected to stabilize only by the end of September.
The government has urged residents of vulnerable areas to remain alert and cooperate with local authorities in safety and evacuation measures.
