Floods Destroy 3,000 Schools in Punjab – Education Disrupted for Thousands. Punjab has suffered a massive blow as recent floods have destroyed nearly 3,000 schools across the province, leaving thousands of children without access to education. The situation has raised serious concerns about the continuity of schooling in affected areas.
Punjab’s Minister for School Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, shared the grim update during a meeting with UNICEF Pakistan Representative Pernille Ironside. Both sides discussed strategies to mitigate the impact of the floods and strengthen cooperation for rehabilitation efforts.
Education Sector Faces Major Setback
Minister Hayat explained that the education department was already facing resource shortages before the floods struck. Now, many schools lie in ruins, and several remain submerged.
“Rehabilitating these institutions has become our foremost challenge,” said Hayat, adding that the government has introduced three shifts in functioning schools to accommodate students displaced by the floods.
Reconstruction of damaged schools is expected to take up to three months. Meanwhile, the government plans to rent private facilities and set up tent schools in affected areas to ensure classes continue without major disruption.
Relief Measures for Affected Students
To support students from flood-hit regions, Minister Hayat announced several measures:
- Exemption from semester fees for students from affected schools.
- Scholarships for students to continue their education.
- Use of temporary classrooms and rented facilities to maintain regular classes.
These steps aim to prevent children from falling behind academically while reconstruction is underway.
Villages Still Drowning in Stagnant Water
Despite official claims of receding floods, breaches at the Noraja Bhutta embankment of the Sutlej River have left several villages in Multan, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur under water.
Villages including Noraja Bhutta, Kotla Chakar, Bahadurpur, Deepal, and Dunyapur have experienced stagnant water levels ranging from eight to ten feet deep for over a week.
Local residents report widespread devastation, with nearly 70 percent of houses collapsed. Altaf Lang, a villager, said:
“If the water doesn’t drain, the rest will fall too. Diseases are spreading as the water changes colour. This is turning into a health emergency.”
Infrastructure Challenges
Villagers blame the nearby motorway for worsening the flooding, claiming its limited culverts act more like barriers than drainage channels. They argue that breaching the motorway is the only way to release the water.
However, NHA General Manager Kashif Nawaz dismissed the demand. He stated that water is flowing through the culverts and protective measures, including placing stones around weak points, are being implemented to safeguard the motorway without blocking drainage routes.
Government’s Efforts to Restore Normalcy
The Punjab government is taking multiple steps to restore normalcy in the education sector and support flood-affected communities:
- Repairing and reconstructing damaged schools.
- Introducing alternate schooling shifts for displaced students.
- Providing temporary classrooms, tents, and private facilities.
- Offering financial support and scholarships to affected children.
These measures aim to ensure that education continues despite natural disasters and that children are not left behind in their studies.
Conclusion
The floods in Punjab have caused unprecedented damage to schools and villages, affecting thousands of students and families. While reconstruction and relief efforts are underway, temporary measures like tent schools and fee exemptions are crucial to maintain educational continuity.
The government, along with UNICEF and other organizations, continues to monitor the situation closely and implement strategies to rebuild schools, restore normalcy, and provide support to affected communities.
FAQs About Flood Impact on Schools in Punjab
Q1: How many schools were destroyed in Punjab floods?
Nearly 3,000 schools have been destroyed, disrupting education for thousands of children.
Q2: What relief measures are being provided to affected students?
Students are being exempted from semester fees, offered scholarships, and temporary classrooms are being set up.
Q3: How long will it take to reconstruct the schools?
Reconstruction is expected to take up to three months, depending on the extent of damage.
Q4: Are villages still affected by floods?
Yes, several villages in Multan, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur remain submerged in stagnant water due to breaches at the Sutlej River embankment.
