LAHORE: As the flood water recedes from Punjab, new spell of rain have lashed several areas of Lahore.
As per details, the torrential rain continued for more than two hours in Lahore’s Kot Radha Kishan and its nearby areas, resulting in water accumulation in low-lying areas.
Few areas of the provincial capital also recieved scattered rain and showers.
On the other hand, schools in flood-hit areas of Pakpattan have been closed indefinitely from September 1 on the DC’s orders to ensure student safety. Authorities say classes will resume once conditions improve.
The district administration has decided to keep educational institutions in flood-affected areas closed due to the prevailing situation.
On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Pakpattan, the Education Department issued an official notification stating that 12 schools in the tehsil will remain closed from September 1 until further notice.
The deputy commissioner explained that the step was taken to protect the lives of students and teachers, as several areas remain under threat due to floodwaters. He said safeguarding the lives and property of citizens is the administration’s top priority, and no risk can be taken with students’ safety.
According to the Education Department, a list of affected schools has been shared with the relevant authorities, while parents have been urged to fully comply with the decision. The administration added that schools will reopen as soon as the situation improves to ensure continuity of education.
Previously, the district administration had ordered the closure of all schools in Sialkot on August 29 and 30 because of severe flooding.
Meanwhile, life in rural areas has been paralysed by floodwaters, with educational activities badly disrupted in many villages.
Local residents stressed that the government must take immediate steps for the cleaning and rehabilitation of damaged schools so that children can resume their studies quickly.
Experts noted that while the closure of schools is a necessary short-term measure. The administration also needs an emergency plan for the long-term protection and recovery of educational institutions.
It is worth mentioning here that a powerful flood wave in the Chenab River caused widespread destruction after hitting Sialkot, Wazirabad and Chiniot.
Rescue officials said that 135 villages in Jhang are underwater, with many residents trapped inside their homes. Rescue teams are working to evacuate them.
Traffic on Sargodha Road has been badly disrupted as two to three feet of water has submerged the route.
According to the irrigation department, a flood wave carrying one million cusecs of water is expected to pass through Multan by this evening.
Low-lying areas are likely to be severely affected. Heavy rainfall in Gujranwala, Wazirabad and Chiniot has worsened the flooding, destroying crops spread over hundreds of acres.
The situation in Multan has also turned serious as floodwaters entered farmlands in Shujabad tehsil, leaving 140 villages submerged.
In Muzaffargarh, authorities have warned of a very high flood in the Chenab River. Thousands of acres of fish farms are at risk of being washed away, prompting farmers to start emptying their ponds to reduce losses.
Internet services stayed suspended in many flood-hit areas of Punjab on Saturday, making communication difficult and slowing down relief efforts.
Read more: Severe flooding in Chenab River, situation worsens in Jhang, Multan: 275 villages submerged
