KP shuts schools in hilly areas for a week due to heavy rains and flood risk

Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced the closure of all schools in the province’s hilly regions from August 19 to 25 amid heavy rains, cloudbursts, and the threat of flash floods.

Provincial Education Minister Faisal Khan Tarakai confirmed the decision via social media platform X, stating that academic activities will continue online or at home during the closure.

Officials said the region had already observed summer holidays from July 1 to 31, but the worsening weather situation made additional holidays unavoidable. Schools in Swat and the entire Malakand Division will also remain closed.

Meanwhile, a deadly cloudburst struck the village of Dilorai in Swabi district on Monday, destroying multiple homes. According to the Deputy Commissioner, 18 people — including women and children — have lost their lives.

Rescue operations are underway with the support of 7 excavators, 6 ambulances, and Rescue 1122 teams.