In Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have ordered closure of all government and private schools across Jammu Division for toady in view of the continuing inclement weather conditions.
As per an order issued by Directorate of School Education Jammu, the decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff amid incessant rains and landslides in hilly areas.
The situation is being closely monitored and further decisions regarding reopening of schools will be taken after reviewing the weather conditions.
Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has also announced the postponement of all Class 10th and 11th examinations scheduled for today.
This step has been taken in response to persistent heavy rainfall and landslides that have been affecting the hilly areas of the region.
Earlier today, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the cloudburst-hit Ramban district on Sunday to assess the damage. He stated that restoration work in landslide-affected areas is expected to take between 20 to 25 days and alternative routes are available for double-sided traffic.
Chief Minister Abdullah visited Marog village in Ramban district, one of several areas hit hard by recent cloudbursts and flash floods.
“The situation is being assessed. There has been incessant heavy rainfall in the past few days. Highway has suffered damage at several locations. We have spoken with the concerned company, NHAI, and the District Administration, and it has been found that we have an alternative.
However, in locations where roads have suffered damage due to landslides, restoration will take 20-25 days. But we have an alternate as of now. It has been prepared for double-sided traffic. Areas around Udhampur have suffered massive damage. If that is restored, we will be able to release traffic from here…” Abdullah said.
Further, he said, “The MLA spoke with me yesterday on the phone. I immediately spoke with my officers, and we announced a relief for them. DC and SP reached the spot. Arrangements were made by the Red Cross, too. We will do whatever more is needed.”
The Indian Army, along with Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, UTDRF and other rescue teams, on Sunday launched operations after a cloudburst hit Rajgarh Tehsil in Ramban district, where flash floods affected multiple locations and four bodies have been recovered so far, officials said.