Jammu schools closed as heavy rains lash several districts including Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch
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As a precautionary measure, authorities have ordered the closure of all schools in affected areas, including Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch, to ensure the safety of students amid adverse weather conditions.
Schools are likely to remain closed until Sunday, August 17, due to the ongoing severe weather and the Janmashtami holiday on August 16. They are expected to reopen on Monday, August 18. The Meteorological (MeT) department recorded substantial rainfall between 8:30 am on Monday and 6:30 am on Tuesday.
Reasi district experienced the heaviest downpour with 280.5 millimetres of rain, followed by Kathua with 148 millimetres, and Samba and Jammu districts each receiving 96 millimetres, as reported by the PTI.
The heavy rain led to flash floods, landslides and mudslides in several locations, though no casualties have been reported so far.
'In view of the prevailing weather conditions and as per the directions of the Worthy Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, all schools, both government and private, in District Poonch shall remain closed today, on 12th August, as a precautionary measure.
However, the Tiranga Human Chain Event will proceed as scheduled today, 12-8-2025,' said the Deputy CEO of Poonch. Similarly, by the order of the CEO Rajouri, all schools in District Rajouri shall remain closed today, 12th August.
Flash floods damage infrastructure and disrupt roads
The flash floods severely affected infrastructure, including a high school in the Surankote area of Poonch district. The floodwaters swept away a 200-foot-long shed adjacent to the school and destroyed the sports room along with all records and sports equipment, as quoted by the PTI.
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Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in this incident.
In Rajouri district, the floods caused the collapse of a cowshed in Jaglanoo village, leading to the loss of livestock and property, according to officials. Additionally, numerous roads across Rajouri have been blocked due to landslides and debris, disrupting vehicular movement in many areas.
In Reasi district, a landslide at Kandamorh in Tehsil Pouni blocked the road, with clearance work currently underway, as reported by the PTI.
The Kotranka–Khawas road in Rajouri remains closed at Kanja, and the Rajouri–Thanamandi–Surankote road is shut following a landslide between DKG and Bufliyaz. Furthermore, the Ghambir Mughlan–Thanamandi road is blocked at several points, including Bhattian Morh, due to debris accumulation.
The Jammu–Srinagar highway experienced significant traffic congestion near Jagti after floodwaters covered sections of the road, causing major disruption to traffic flow, as quoted by the PTI.
Authorities warn of rising water levels and ongoing rain
Continuous rainfall since Monday night has caused rising water levels in rivers and streams throughout Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have issued alerts urging residents to avoid water bodies to prevent accidents. The Chenab River in Reasi was flowing at a high level and washed away a crucial road patch at Gupt Kashi, as reported by the PTI.
The MeT department has forecast rain and thunderstorms across many parts of the Jammu division from August 12 to August 15, with heavy showers likely in some areas.
A red warning has been issued for Udhampur, Reasi, Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, wind gusts exceeding 60 kilometres per hour, and rainfall exceeding 15 millimetres per hour, as quoted by the PTI.
Residents have been advised to stay alert and closely follow weather advisories issued by the MeT department to ensure their safety during the ongoing severe weather conditions.
Schools are expected to remain closed until conditions improve, with reopening planned for August 18, as officials continue to monitor the situation closely, according to reports by the PTI.
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