Over the past 48 hours, Jammu and Kashmir has been lashed by heavy rains due to cloudbursts. This intense weather condition has triggered flash floods and landslides in several parts of the region and the Ramban district is one of the worst-hit areas. According to the weather department, more precipitation is expected over the next 24 hours. Keeping the severe weather conditions in mind, the Jammu and Kashmir authorities have decided to shut all schools and colleges on April 21. Scroll on to know more about this.
Jammu & Kashmir Schools Shut Down Due To Severe Weather
According to the Times of India, Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced that all schools and colleges in the Kashmir Valley will remain closed today. The decision comes after the India Meteorological Department issued warnings of adverse weather in Jammu and Kashmir, with a forecast of thunderstorms and strong winds.
Sakina Itoo took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce, “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 tomorrow (21st April). This decision has been taken as a precautionary step to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.”
Furthermore, all government and private schools, colleges and technical institutions of the Ramban district have been shut down on Monday as well. This decision was taken by the local authorities keeping the landslide and flash floods in mind.
The Deputy Commissioner of Ramban also urged people in the area to stay indoors for their own safety. As per the latest update, the death toll in the area has risen to five after the heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in this region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Also Read: 3 Dead, 100 Rescued In Jammu & Kashmir’s Ramban After Heavy Rain Triggers Flash Floods, Landslides
Travel Advisory Issued For People Planning To Travel By Road
Due to the incessant rainfall after the cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban, landslides and mudslides at several locations led to the suspension of traffic along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Several villages were cut off from the district headquarters.
The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has also issued a travel advisory for those travelling to the region by road. They have asked people to stay updated on real-time updates and call toll-free helpline numbers to ensure safety and avoid any inconvenience. The number is 1800-890-8457.
Other than Ramban, adverse weather conditions have severely impacted areas like Banihal, Khari, Batote, Dharamkund, Seri, Bagna, and Chamba in Jammu and Kashmir. Teams from the police, SDRF, civil volunteers, Indian Army and other departments and agencies have been actively engaged in rescue and restoration operations in all the affected areas.
The cloudbursts in Jammu and Kashmir started early on Sunday morning and triggered flash floods, landslides, and mudslides. Photos and videos on social media show the devastating aftermath of this adverse weather condition.
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If you are planning to travel to Jammu and Kashmir right now, please stay updated on all the latest advisories by the local authorities before planning your trip.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@Gaamuk & X/@itssanatani
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