Northern Pakistani district of Ghizer closes schools for three days after heavy rains, flood 

KHAPLU: The local administration in northern Pakistani district of Ghizer has closed all government and private educational institutions from August 29th till August 31 after heavy rains, floods and road blockades in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, the Ghizer deputy commissioner announced on Sunday. 
Monsoon downpours have so far triggered more than a hundred flash floods in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, according to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA). Raging water torrents have killed 16 people and damaged over 500 houses and 24 power stations, besides causing damage to drinking water supply and irrigation channels. 
On Friday, a massive flood wreaked havoc in Bubar valley of Ghizer district and killed at least six people and destroyed more than 80 houses. 
“Due to heavy rains, floods and road blockades, it is notified that all government/private educational institutions shall remain closed from 29th August to 31st August 2022 within revenue limits of District Ghizer,” Ghizer Deputy Commissioner Tayyab Sami Khan said in a notification on Sunday. 
With nearly 170,000 inhabitants, Ghizer lies about 70 kilometers from Gilgit, the capital of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Bubar valley is the most populated area of the district, where children were unable to go to schools after the recent flood. 
“The PMD (Pakistan Meteorological Department) has also predicted further rains in the region,” Muhammad Ali, the GBDMA assistant director for Ghizer, told Arab News on Sunday. 
“So, to avoid any untoward situation, we have decided to close schools for three days.”