Floods destroy schools in Hazara

Authorities release official report detailing damage caused by recent cloudbursts

ABBOTTABAD:

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has released an official report detailing the damage caused by recent cloudbursts and flash floods across the Hazara region.

According to the report, seven schools—comprising four primary, two middle, and one high school—have been completely destroyed in Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Battagram, while 638 schools have sustained partial damage.

In Abbottabad, a female student tragically lost her life, and two individuals—including a teacher and another student—were injured in the flooding.

The district saw the total collapse of three boys' schools, including two primary and one middle school.

Additionally, 11 other institutions—six primary, three middle, and two high schools—were partially damaged. Among girls' schools, one high school was completely destroyed, while 56 others, including 46 primary, four middle, and two higher secondary schools, suffered partial damage.

In Mansehra, three boys' schools—two primary and one middle—were demolished, while six others, including four primary and two middle schools, were partially affected. Two girls' schools—a primary and a high school—also experienced partial damage.

In Battagram, four boys' schools (two primary and two high schools) sustained partial damage. One girls' primary school was also affected.

Across the three districts, the report notes that a total of 61 schools were destroyed, including 52 primary, seven middle, and two high schools. An additional 324 schools were partially damaged, comprising 233 primary, 35 middle, 42 high, and 14 higher secondary institutions.

Heavy rains lashed Abbottabad and its adjoining areas, disrupting normal life and causing widespread damage.

The Karakoram Highway was inundated at several points, while roads in Sarban Chowk, Sikandarabad, Mandian, and Ayub Complex were submerged, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Flash floods swelled local streams and nullahs, sweeping away a luxury vehicle that was left completely destroyed. In Havellian, the Ayub Bridge once again faced the risk of collapse, further disrupting traffic flow.

Meanwhile, in Sikandarabad, rainwater entered a private school, but volunteers from Al-Khidmat Foundation safely evacuated students and teachers to a secure location.

In Abbottabad and Galiyat, strong winds accompanied by heavy downpours triggered landslides in areas including Tohidabad, Changagali, and Ayubia.

According to Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) Director General Shahrukh Ali, technical staff equipped with heavy machinery are working round the clock to clear and restore blocked roads. He confirmed that all staff leaves have been cancelled to address the emergency.

The GDA DG further advised tourists to exercise extreme caution while traveling to Galiyat to avoid any untoward incidents.