Across North India, the relentless monsoon rains and resulting floods have brought many activities to a standstill, and education is no exception. With swollen rivers, landslides, and waterlogged roads cutting off access to schools, several states have been forced to close educational institutions, prioritizing the safety of students and staff.

Punjab is grappling with its worst flooding since 1988, with the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers inundating vast areas. The state government has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and polytechnics until September 7. The decision affects all government, aided, recognized, and private institutions. Authorities are urging everyone to adhere strictly to local administration guidelines.

Himachal Pradesh, declared a disaster-affected state, faces widespread destruction, with over a thousand roads blocked, including the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Schools, colleges, and coaching centers in Shimla are closed, and the government has announced a holiday for all educational institutions until September 7. An orange alert has been issued for several districts, warning of heavy rains.

In Uttarakhand, schools up to Class 12 and Anganwadi centers are shut in Dehradun and other districts. The Chardham Yatra has been suspended until September 5. The Ganga, Mandakini, and Alaknanda rivers are flowing above danger levels, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in the state.

The National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi, has been drenched by continuous heavy showers, disrupting normal life. Schools in numerous districts, including Ghaziabad and Noida, have been closed. Authorities are likely to extend the holidays if the heavy rains persist.

Jammu and Kashmir have also been severely affected, with two fatalities reported and hundreds of people rescued following heavy downpours. The Jhelum and Chenab rivers are flowing above the danger mark. All schools and colleges in the Jammu division are closed until September 5.

The IMD has issued red alerts across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, northern Punjab, northern Haryana, eastern Rajasthan, southwest Uttar Pradesh, northwest and eastern Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, warning of flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging.

The closure of schools due to floods raises concerns about the disruption of education and its long-term impact on students. Flood-induced school closures can range from a couple of weeks to several months, making transportation to schools difficult or impossible, damaging school infrastructure, and disrupting local activities. Marginalized children, including girls, those from lower-caste groups, and those from religious minorities, are disproportionately affected, facing greater exposure to floods and more negative learning outcomes.

While the immediate priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of students, addressing the educational challenges posed by these disruptions is also vital. Rescheduling exams, adjusting academic calendars, and exploring alternative learning methods, such as online classes where feasible, can help mitigate the impact of school closures. It is also important to consider the specific needs of marginalized children and provide targeted support to help them catch up on their learning.