The Deputy Commissioner of Okara has extended school summer vacations until September 7, 2025, as 32 flood-prone areas face severe risks from rising Sutlej and Ravi river levels. This closure ensures student safety while schools in affected zones serve as relief hubs for flood victims.
Floods Prompt School Closures
On August 31, 2025, Okara’s district administration announced that all government and private schools in 32 vulnerable areas will remain shut due to escalating flood threats. The decision follows warnings of severe flooding in the Sutlej and Ravi rivers, which have already displaced thousands across Punjab.
The affected areas include:
- Chuchak, Mupalkay, Bama Bala, and Lasharian
- Gogera, Fateh Pur, Kund Bohard, and Mehlo Ky
- Attari, Puran Mandi, Baqar Kay Mahar, and Pana Mahar
- Jamal Kot, Thatha Bhattian, Sodhey Ki, and Daraz Kay
- Peer Ali, Molia Chishti, Rattay Key, and Nikki Maneki
- Mahanat Darshan, Nota Khichi, Jandu Manj, and Head Suleimanki Haveli
These closures aim to protect students and allow schools to function as temporary shelters for families impacted by the floods.
Scale of the Flood Crisis
The floods, driven by heavy monsoon rains and upstream water releases from India, have caused widespread destruction in Okara and beyond. The Flood Forecasting Division reported high flood levels in the Sutlej and Ravi rivers, with outflows of 204,260 cusecs at Head Balloki on August 31, 2025. Over 1.46 million people across Punjab are affected, with homes and crops submerged in low-lying areas.
Schools in regions like Chuchak, Gogera, and Head Suleimanki Haveli are being used as relief camps, providing shelter, food, and medical aid. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) is working with local authorities to support displaced families and manage the crisis.
Community and Educational Impact
The extended closures have disrupted education for thousands of students, but residents support the decision. “Keeping kids safe is the priority,” said Saima Bibi, a parent in Gogera. “These schools are now helping families who lost their homes.” Another resident, Asif Raza, noted, “It’s a tough time, but using schools as shelters is saving lives.”
Teachers and parents are preparing for potential delays in reopening if flood conditions persist. The district administration is monitoring river levels and will reassess the situation after September 7.
Official Response and Outlook
The Okara district administration emphasized that the closures are a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. “Schools will reopen once water levels drop and conditions stabilize,” a spokesperson said. The PDMA is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts to support affected communities.
As Okara battles the flood crisis, the use of schools as relief camps highlights the district’s commitment to protecting residents. For more information on flood relief, visit the Punjab Disaster Management Authority’s website.
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