Punjab schools closed amid torrential rains as rivers overflow, villages submerged

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced the closure of all schools across the state from August 27 to 30, citing incessant heavy rainfall and the escalating risk of flooding.

The decision covers primary, secondary, and senior secondary institutions, both government and private.“It has been raining heavily for the past few days, and the weather department has predicted more intense rainfall in the coming days. In view of this, all schools will remain closed from August 27 to 30,” Mann stated on X, underscoring the need to prioritize student safety.

The closure comes as a precautionary measure amid worsening weather conditions that have already disrupted daily life in many parts of the state.

Local authorities have been monitoring river levels and coordinating relief efforts, including evacuations in severely affected areas.

Rivers in spate, villages and farmlands submerged

The Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, along with seasonal rivulets, are in spate after heavy rainfall in their catchment areas in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, coupled with persistent local downpours. Large swathes of farmland and villages along these rivers are now submerged, leaving communities grappling with waterlogging and damaged crops.

The situation has been compounded by the release of surplus water from the Pong and Bhakra dams, intensifying flooding in several districts. Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Hoshiarpur have emerged as the worst-hit regions, with roads and fields inundated, cutting off access to essential services in many villages.Authorities have urged residents to avoid venturing into low-lying areas and to follow safety advisories closely. Relief teams are actively coordinating evacuation and assistance measures for affected populations. Meteorologists have warned that the heavy rainfall is likely to persist, keeping the state on high alert for further flooding and disruption.