Jammu: In view of the forecast for heavy rainfall, authorities in Jammu on Monday announced an extension of the closure of all government and private schools for an additional day. The University of Jammu also postponed all examinations until September 4.
The local meteorological office predicted moderate to heavy rainfall across most parts of the Jammu division on September 2 and 3. A spokesperson said, “Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, and Reasi, with moderate to heavy rainfall likely in Doda, Samba, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Kishtwar, and in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and Kulgam, mainly from late night on September 2 to late afternoon on September 3.”
The Met office also warned of possible cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, rockfalls from hillocks, and rising water levels in rivers and streams. People were urged to stay away from water bodies and avoid landslide-prone areas.
Since August 14, more than 130 people—mostly pilgrims—have died and over 120 injured, while 33 remain untraced following cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods in Kishtwar, Kathua, Reasi, and Ramban districts. Record rainfall on August 26–27 also triggered flash floods in low-lying areas of Jammu and surrounding plains, causing extensive damage to public and private property.
Schools had remained closed last week as a precautionary measure due to inclement weather. In his order, Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, Director of School Education, Jammu, stated, “In view of the weather alerts and continuous rainfall causing landslides in hilly areas, all government and private schools in Jammu division shall remain closed on September 2 to ensure the safety of students and staff.” He also directed that online classes be conducted wherever possible.
The University of Jammu notified students that all exams scheduled for September 2, 3, and 4 are postponed, with fresh dates to be announced later.
