LAHORE: The Directorate of Colleges has ordered the closure of 16 colleges in flood-hit areas of Lahore Division for two days.
According to the notification, institutions in Shahdara, Chuhang, Bund Road, Sharaqpur Sharif, Ferozewala, Khanqah Dogran, and Narang Mandi will remain shut due to flooding.
In Nankana Sahib, colleges in Mandi Faizabad and Syedwala have been closed, while in Kasur, colleges in Kanganpur have also been directed to suspend classes.
The notice further instructed that electricity supply to all affected colleges be cut off immediately as a safety precaution.
Punjab Floods
Heavy rains and water releases from India have caused the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers to overflow, displacing hundreds of thousands across central and southern Punjab.
Officials estimate that more than 600,000 people have been affected, with over 150,000 residents and 35,000 livestock evacuated. Relief efforts include 263 camps and 161 medical units set up for the victims.
The UN reports that this year’s monsoon death toll in Pakistan is nearly three times higher than last year’s.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has also warned of rising pressure at Qadirabad Headworks, increasing the risk of flooding in Hafizabad and Chiniot.
Several highways and bridges have already been washed away in Sialkot, Shakargarh, and Narowal, while parts of the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara were submerged, prompting the rescue of over 150 pilgrims and staff.
Relief and rescue operations are ongoing with assistance from the army, police, and emergency services.
The Punjab government has set aside Rs900 million to support relief measures as floodwaters continue to threaten downstream districts.