Punjab shuts schools till August 30 as heavy rain triggers floods in parts of state
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Government has ordered all schools in the state to remain closed until August 30 in view of continuous heavy rainfall and worsening flood conditions. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the decision through a social media post on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab has been witnessing incessant rainfall over the past few days, and the Meteorological Department has predicted more heavy showers in the coming days. “Considering the situation, all primary, secondary and senior secondary schools—both government and private—will remain closed across the state from August 27 to August 30,” Mann stated.
Seven districts affected by floods
The impact of torrential rains in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh has extended to Punjab, where seven districts are currently reeling under floods. Continuous water release from Ranjit Sagar Dam and Bhakra Dam has led to a sharp rise in the water levels of the Ravi, Sutlej and Beas rivers, posing a severe threat to low-lying areas.
The authorities have declared holidays in schools located in the flood-hit regions of Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Pathankot and Gurdaspur, along with Ajnala and Rayya blocks of Amritsar district. Meanwhile, in Fazilka, where around 20 villages are submerged, schools will remain shut until further orders.
Rising waters disrupt daily life
In Tarn Taran and Ferozepur, water released from the Harike Headworks has created flood-like conditions, leaving many villages vulnerable. The situation has worsened in areas along riverbanks where water levels continue to swell.
Adding to the crisis, the Pathankot-Jalandhar railway route has been suspended after soil erosion was reported beneath the Chakki railway bridge on the Beas River. The disruption has affected nearly 90 trains, with some being diverted via the Pathankot-Amritsar-Jalandhar route to ease passenger inconvenience.
Government on alert
The Punjab Government has urged people in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain cautious. Disaster management teams have been deployed in affected regions, and rescue operations are being carried out where necessary. Officials are closely monitoring the situation at major dams and rivers to prevent further escalation.
- PTC NEWS
