Swat school principal saves 900 students with timely evacuation before flood destroys campus

Swat — A quick and decisive move by Principal Saeed Ahmad on Friday saved the lives of nearly 900 students in Swat after he ordered an immediate evacuation just minutes before floodwaters struck the school.

The principal, who has served for 12 years, noticed the nearby stream rising around 9 a.m. and instantly instructed teachers to escort children out of the building. Within 15 minutes, every student and staff member had reached safety. Soon after, floodwaters swept into the campus, destroying half the school, including its boundary walls and playground.

Local officials confirmed that 900 students were inside at the time, and Ahmad’s swift decision averted a major tragedy. The school was one of several institutions destroyed as devastating floods continue to batter Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where over 350 people have died in the past three days.

Ahmad said his caution came from experience — recalling that the same building had collapsed during floods in 1995. That memory prompted him to act quickly to protect the students.

Authorities have warned that this year’s monsoon is 50–60% stronger than last year’s, with more heavy rain spells expected until early September.