Education at Halt: Delhi Floods Disrupt Schooling as Thousands of Children Lose Books and Uniforms

The recent floods in Delhi have halted the education of thousands of children whose school supplies, like books, uniforms and bags, have been swept away by the flood waters. The displacement and the disruption have led to many families struggling because of the double burden of their children's education, raising serious questions about how these affected students will get back into classrooms.

Delhi Floods and The Disruption of Education.

For many students in the flood-affected regions of Delhi, natural disasters have taken over education, leaving them wondering about their future. In makeshift camps such as Pradhan Garden in Kalindi Kunj and around Geeta Colony, children have been told how the floods carried away bags, uniforms, and precious books. In some cases, uniforms are compulsory, and without them, several students cannot resume their classes in government schools since they cannot be allowed in.

During an interview, children from Sarvodaya Balika Vidyalaya shared dismay. How devastated they felt while watching the notes and textbooks they had worked so hard get destroyed. Purchasing new school supplies is almost beyond the reach of these families that live on daily wages. This has made some children be left at home or come to the rescue of their families by doing some daily chores, thus putting their education on hold.

Learning Gaps and Relief Efforts

The Delhi government and other non-profits are attempting to offer shelter, food, and bare essentials in camps established on school premises and other open areas. But educational materials have not been distributed as per the requirements. Days after the catastrophe, many families have yet to receive new books and uniforms. There have been presentations of virtual classes in certain schools, and children in low-income families cannot attend classes because they either do not have the devices or cannot access the internet.

The authorities have assured us they will fill the loophole. Reflectively, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) reported trying to help children who have returned. Still, no one is sure when everything is going to be normal. Though some communities and relief agencies are coming forward to help these children, they cannot provide educational aid to all due to limited academic resources.  

Significant Effects on Vulnerable Children

The problem of flooding has prompted the identification of the weak areas of the poorest families in Delhi in terms of education. A majority of the children affected belong to low and informal settlements along the Yamuna, where families are already in a disadvantaged position to meet their basic needs. The catastrophe could also lead to higher dropout rates, especially among the girls who tend to stay at home when the family is still in rough financial difficulties, and it is not possible to afford uniforms or fees.

Many teachers, as well as community activists, have expressed concern about the long-term impact that comes from missed classes, which will have a direct impact on exam performance and promotion to higher grades. They are also worried about the emotional trauma that children are going to carry with them that came from spending days in unfamiliar tents and shelters, away from friends, routines, and safe learning environments. 

What Needs to Be Done?

According to experts, families, and NGOs, the following steps are key to returning children's education on track:

1. Providing free school supplies (textbooks, notebooks, and uniforms) to flood victims who are children.
2. Subject to relaxation of the uniform rules and other entry requirements, until families can bounce back.
3. At the same time, online classes in the relief camps, as physical schools are being cleaned and rebuilt, are being expanded to digital access (internet, tablets).
4. Access to appropriate mental health support and counselling, in particular among younger children with signs of trauma.
5. Education support should be the main focus of disaster relief, rather than an addition to authorities' contingency planning.

The effects of the 2025 floods on the Delhi education system are an actual wake-up call for the rest of the country. Getting children back to school involves not merely academic recovery but rebuilding hope and routine, a sense of ordinary life, in the vulnerable young citizens of Delhi.