With relentless rains continuing to lash Jammu and Kashmir, the administration has announced the closure of all schools across the Kashmir Valley on Monday as a precautionary measure. The decision was taken in view of prevailing inclement weather and concerns over the safety of students.
Minister of Education Sakina Itoo stated, “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 21st April.”
“This decision has been taken as a precautionary step to ensure the safety and well-being of all students,” she added.
In a related development, a major search and rescue operation is under way in Ramban district following a cloudburst that claimed three lives and caused large-scale damage.
Officials said around 200 houses have suffered damage in the flash floods, and vehicles on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway were swept away after a portion of the road collapsed near Ramban.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), assisted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and local volunteers, is spearheading rescue efforts in the affected areas. The displaced population has been temporarily relocated to the Government Middle School, where authorities are providing essential relief.
“Ramban is devastated by this calamity,” said Jugal Kishore Chib, a local resident, expressing the community’s grief and resolve in the face of adversity.
Deputy Commissioner of Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, confirmed extensive property loss across the district. “The administration is implementing government directives with utmost urgency to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safety and welfare of the affected people,” he said.
He also appealed to the public to remain indoors and avoid vulnerable zones. “We request people to stay away from nallahs and landslide-prone areas, and to remain in safer locations,” Chaudhary advised.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the weather is likely to improve from Monday onwards, following two days of widespread rainfall in the plains and snowfall in higher altitudes.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner confirmed that in light of the inclement weather and flash floods, all government and private schools, colleges, and technical institutions will remain shut across the region on April 21.
Also read: Vehicles, locals' trapped' under landslide debris in Ramban
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