Torrential rains battered the Jammu region on Tuesday, flooding roads, cutting off the vital Jammu-Srinagar highway, and forcing the closure of schools and postponement of examinations. Rivers swelled to dangerous levels, evacuations began in Kathua, and disaster response teams were placed on high alert as the monsoon tightened its hold across northwestern India.
Yash Khajuria
Jammu, Aug 26: Torrential rains battered the Jammu region for a second consecutive day, prompting authorities to announce the closure of all government and private schools on Wednesday, August 27. The suspension of classes comes as a precautionary measure amid worsening flood-like conditions and mounting risks to public safety.
The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education postponed all Class 10 and 11 examinations scheduled for Wednesday, assuring students that revised dates would be notified once weather conditions stabilize. The Directorate of School Education, Jammu, formalized the closure order late Tuesday evening, underscoring the gravity of the situation after reports of inundated roads, overflowing drains, and rapidly rising river levels. Officials emphasized that the step was necessary to protect both students and educators.
The India Meteorological Department has raised a red alert across multiple districts, including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur, and parts of Doda, forecasting “very heavy to extremely heavy” showers exceeding 20 cm in isolated pockets until Wednesday. The warning comes against the backdrop of mounting fears of flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts—disasters that have already claimed four lives in Doda district. Rivers such as the Chenab and Tawi are flowing perilously close to danger marks, with flood advisories issued across the division.
The downpour has wreaked havoc on transport and infrastructure. Traffic along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been suspended at several points due to landslides and gushing streams, leaving vehicles stranded and supply chains disrupted. Power cuts, submerged farmlands, and battered infrastructure have compounded the misery. In Kathua’s Bani area, the Sewa River swelled beyond its banks, forcing families to evacuate, while urban centers struggled with clogged roads and deep waterlogging.
The State Disaster Management Authority has swung into action, placing emergency response teams on high alert. Residents in low-lying belts have been urged to move to safer zones, while the National Disaster Response Force remains on standby. “Rivers are rising fast and the risk of overflow is real. People must stay vigilant,” a senior official from the Divisional Commissioner’s office cautioned.
The crisis is not confined to Jammu alone. Neighboring Himachal Pradesh and Punjab have also declared school closures and issued advisories as the weather system expands its grip over northwestern India.
On the ground, parents across Jammu have welcomed the suspension of classes, calling it a necessary safeguard against treacherous conditions. “It’s a wise move. Roads are dangerous, and safety must come first,” said a concerned parent. Social media is abuzz with appeals for a further extension of school closures until the situation improves.
Meteorologists link the current spell to a low-pressure system entrenched over northwestern India, noting that the Himalayan belt is acutely exposed to climate-driven extremes. While forecasters expect a measure of relief from August 28 onward, authorities continue to urge strict caution until conditions stabilize.
With relief camps activated, helplines operational, and residents bracing for more days under siege, Jammu remains at the mercy of an unforgiving monsoon, holding out hope that the skies will relent before further devastation strikes.
