Swift Action by Principal Saves Nearly 900 Students from Flooding in Swat
A timely decision by Principal Saeed Ahmad helped ensure the safety of nearly 900 students on Friday when rising floodwaters threatened a school in Swat.
Around 9 a.m., Principal Ahmad observed increasing water levels in a nearby stream and quickly directed the evacuation of the school, which has close to 950 students enrolled.
Thanks to the prompt action, all students and staff were safely evacuated within 15 minutes. Shortly after, floodwaters reached the school, damaging about half of the building, including the boundary walls and the playground.
Local authorities confirmed that nearly 900 students were present at the time. The early evacuation is credited with preventing injuries or loss of life. The school is among several educational institutions affected as heavy monsoon rains continue to impact multiple districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Principal Ahmad, who has led the school for 12 years, said he was guided by previous experience. The same school building had suffered flood damage in 1995, and that memory helped him act quickly.
According to officials, this year’s monsoon has brought 50 to 60 percent more rainfall compared to last year. Weather authorities expect two to three more spells of heavy rain to occur through early September and are urging schools and communities to remain alert.
