34 schools in Kupwara hit by floods, students temporarily relocated

Srinagar, May 01:
The recent flash floods have brought disruption to schools in Kupwara district, leading authorities to suspend classes in affected areas. On Wednesday, class activities were halted in 34 schools district-wide, including 14 schools within the Handwara education zone.
Aziz Ahmad, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Handwara, clarified that the suspension of classes was a precautionary measure in response to the flash floods. He assured that while most affected buildings were deemed safe, thorough inspections would precede their reopening for students.
Efforts are underway to dewater and clean the submerged schools. Most affected schools have been cleared, with the resumption of classes expected shortly. High School Chogal, featuring a double-storey building, is undergoing cleaning, pending inspections to ascertain its operational readiness.
Abdul Majeed, Chief Education Officer of Kupwara, informed Rising Kashmir of extensive cleaning efforts underway, involving manpower and machinery. However, full restoration of these schools is estimated to take up to a week. In the interim, arrangements will be made to accommodate students in nearby schools.
Though some schools still grapple with lingering water, assessments will follow dewatering to gauge building conditions. The floods have inflicted considerable damage to flooring and other materials, necessitating further remediation. Affected students will be relocated to nearby facilities temporarily.
Acknowledging the scale of disruption, Majeed reiterated that 34 schools were impacted by the flash floods, with some submerged and others partially inundated. As a safety precaution, classes were suspended across all affected schools, with teachers tasked with initiating clean-up efforts.
However, structural concerns may prolong the reopening of some schools. Ensuring student safety remains paramount, with plans for their relocation to nearby schools until permanent solutions can be enacted.