In view of the adverse weather conditions following Sunday's cloudburst in the Union Territory, Jammu and Kashmir government, as a precautionary step, directed closure of all schools in the valley on Monday, according to PTI.
"In light of the continuing severe weather conditions and forecasts, it has been decided that classwork in all schools of the valley shall remain suspended for one day on April 21," Education Minister Sakina Ittoo said in a post on X.
"This decision has been taken as a precautionary step to ensure the safety and well-being of all students," she added.
Cloudburst Kills 3, Disrupts Normal Life
Incessant heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours lashed Kashmir valley. According to PTI, weather office has forecast more precipitation over the next 24 hours.
The cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban region on Sunday killed at least three people while triggering flash floods and landslides in the region, resulting in the relocation of thousands.
As per local authorities, heavy rain lashed over the region at 1:30 AM. As the rain continued, an alert was sounded by the Met Department, alerting people to move and relocate.
"We are closely monitoring the situation, and I will be reviewing restoration and rehabilitation measures later today," said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, expressing grief over loss of life and advising citizens to avoid travel.
Traffic Disrupted, National Highway Closed
As per media reports, traffic was largely affected following multiple landslides, mudslides and incidents of shooting stones occurred around Nashri and Banihal along the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, according to the media.
Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary told news agency ANI that rescue operations are underway.
"Due to incessant rainfall and cloudburst, National Highway was closed at several places. In Ramban, houses and hotels have been damaged. Two houses collapsed due to a landslide in Bagahana village, where 3 people have lost their lives. Around 200-250 houses have been damaged...Rescue operation is being carried out. NDRF team is on the way and all local teams are also deployed here," he was quoted as saying.
Commuters were advised not to travel amidst the heavy rain, while people who were also stranded on the 250-kilometre highway were moved to safety, an unnamed official told The Hindu. A stretch of the road near Panthiyal was also swept away, he said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued warnings of severe weather conditions in J&K between April 18 to April 20, citing the influence of an active western disturbance. The forecast estimated heavy rain, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and high-speed winds, initiating precautionary action by the authorities.
