Schools closed again amid heavy rainfall alerts

MUZAFFARABAD, August 18, 2025 — Authorities in Bagh district of Azad Kashmir have ordered all public and private educational institutions to remain closed on August 18 and 19 due to a high flood alert. The precautionary decision was taken after the Meteorological Department issued warnings of heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding in the region.

Officials said the closure aims to ensure the safety of students and teachers as continuous rainfall increases the risk of landslides and floods in hilly areas. Districts including Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Mirpur, and Bhimber are on high alert.

Heavy Rainfall Forecast in Islamabad and Punjab

The Met Office also warned that Islamabad will face heavy to very heavy rain with thunderstorms in the next 24 hours. Widespread rainfall is also predicted across Punjab. Northeastern and Potohar districts such as Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Mandi Bahauddin are likely to experience urban flooding due to intense showers.

Central and southern Punjab, including Multan, D.G. Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Sahiwal, will see scattered thunderstorms, while Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan may receive light rain.

Risk of Landslides in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern districts such as Swat, Shangla, Dir, Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, and Malakand are expected to face heavy rainfall, triggering possible landslides and flash floods. The Peshawar Valley, including Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, and Swabi, will see scattered storms. Southern KP districts like D.I. Khan, Tank, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Karak, and Kohat may also experience scattered thunderstorms with occasional heavyfalls.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and follow safety instructions. Emergency teams have been placed on standby to deal with any flood-related incidents.