Punjab Mulls Extending School Holidays in Flood-Hit Areas

LAHORE: The Punjab government is considering extending summer school holidays in flood-hit areas of the province, as rising waters in the Sutlej, Chenab and Ravi rivers continue to cause large-scale devastation, submerging more than 72 villages and forcing thousands of people from their homes.

According to sources, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar is expected to announce the decision on August 29 after assessing risks posed by flooding and heavy rains. Officials said the education department was working with provincial agencies to devise a coordinated strategy for reopening schools in the affected districts.

Earlier, the provincial government had already extended summer vacations in primary schools until August 31. Separately, educational institutions in Kot Momin tehsil of Sargodha were closed for seven days due to flooding, while another notification ordered closure of all schools in Sialkot on Thursday.

Rivers in high flood

Floodwaters in the Sutlej River have breached protective embankments at multiple points, including Baari Peer, inundating homes and farmland. Near Qadirabad Barrage, authorities deliberately blew up a protective dyke to save the structure, submerging more than 35 villages along the Chenab River.

Deputy Commissioner Faisal Saleem said rescue and relief operations were under way. In Gujranwala district, 13 relief camps were set up, and more than 5,000 people along with 1,700 animals had been shifted to safer areas.

Meanwhile, the Ravi River breached a protective embankment in Kartarpur, allowing floodwaters to enter the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. Several feet of water inundated the complex, submerging the ground floor, including the mazaar and samadh, and leaving Sikh pilgrims stranded before being rescued by army and emergency teams. Floodwaters also reached the main Kartarpur–Bustan Bhajna road, forcing closure of the Narowal–Shakargarh route.

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Extraordinary flood situation

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an emergency alert for the Sutlej, Chenab and Ravi rivers, warning of an “extraordinary flood situation”. At Marala on the Chenab, water flow was recorded at 769,481 cusecs, while Khanki registered 705,225 cusecs. The Ravi at Jassar was in high flood at 202,200 cusecs, with the level expected to rise further. At Shahdara, the Ravi was flowing at 72,900 cusecs, posing a threat to low-lying neighbourhoods.

On the Sutlej, a very high flood of 245,000 cusecs persisted at Ganda Singh Wala, while Sulemanki recorded 135,500 cusecs.

On the prime minister’s directive, NDMA said it was monitoring relief efforts around the clock in coordination with civil and military institutions. Residents along riverbanks were urged to evacuate immediately.

Army called in

As the crisis worsened, the Punjab government requisitioned the army in six districts — Sialkot, Kasur, Okara, Sargodha, Faisalabad and Lahore — to assist in rescue and relief operations. Troops also reached other parts of the province as the situation deteriorated.

On Wednesday, authorities warned of a serious threat to the Khanki Headworks structure as the peak flood wave passed through the area, prompting urgent evacuation of riverside populations.