Schools to stay shut across Jammu amid heavy rain alert

The Jammu region is bracing for inclement weather conditions, including heavy to very heavy rainfall, prompting the closure of all schools in the division on October 6 and 7.

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rain that could trigger landslides in vulnerable areas. The region had witnessed severe rainfall and landslides in August, which claimed over 100 lives in various districts, drawing criticism towards the administration for its inaction despite prior alerts.

An order issued by Director of School Education, Jammu, Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, stated, “In view of the weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in various parts of Jammu division, and in order to ensure the safety and security of students and staff, it is hereby ordered that all government and private schools across Jammu division shall remain closed on October 6 and 7.”

Sonam Lotus, scientist at the Meteorological Department, Leh, said that due to an active western disturbance, light to moderate rain and snowfall are expected over higher reaches from the evening of October 5 to the morning of October 8 in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a recent review meeting, directed all departments concerned to remain in a state of full readiness to minimise possible damage to fruit crops, ensure uninterrupted supply of essential services and keep all major roads and highways functional during the weather disturbance.

The Power Development and Jal Shakti departments have been instructed to deploy quick-response teams for immediate restoration of electricity and water supply in case of disruption. The Disaster Management Department has been tasked with activating control rooms and maintaining close coordination with district administrations to monitor the situation round the clock.

The Meteorological Centre at Srinagar has also advised that adverse weather conditions may disrupt surface transport, including along the Jammu–Srinagar and Srinagar–Leh National Highways, as well as other roads in the middle and higher reaches of J&K. Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations from October 5 to 7.