Heavy rains force school closure in 3 J&K districts

JAMMU: Heavy rains and inclement weather prompted the administrations of J&K’s Rajouri, Reasi and Poonch districts to order the closure of all govt and private schools as a precaution on Tuesday. The Jammu-Srinagar national highway was hit by mudslides, and traffic was disrupted at Jagti, even as incessant showers since Monday night led to a rise in water levels of rivers and streams in Jammu region.

Heavy overnight rainfall led to multiple road blockages across Rajouri and Poonch districts, disrupting vehicular movement in remote hilly areas. A powerful weather system will impact J&K over the next four days, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall, IMD predicted. “Kashmir Valley will see moderate to heavy showers from Wednesday evening, with the peak occurring on Aug 14-15,” an IMD official said, adding: “In Jammu division, the maximum impact of this system would be on Bhaderwah, Ramban, Reasi, and Katra. In Kashmir division, Kupwara, Baramulla, Shopian, Qazigund, Srinagar, and Ganderbal will be the most affected.”

Rajouri officials said the Kotranka-Khawas road was closed at Kanja on Tuesday, while the Rajouri-Thanamandi-Surankote road remained shut due to a landslide between Dera Ki Gali and Bufliyaz. The Ghambir Mughlan-Thanamandi road was also blocked at several points due to mudslides. “Restoration work has been initiated, and the administration has urged commuters to avoid unnecessary travel on affected routes until clearance is completed,” an official said.

A massive landslide hit Poonch’s Mundebandi area in Lower Qasba panchayat area, completely cutting off Qasba-Kirni road. Rains triggered flash floods, landslides and mudslides in many places. A part of a govt high school in Poonch’s Surankote was severely damaged in a flash flood early Tuesday.

Poonch Police established a dedicated helpline number — which will be operational 24x7 — to address emergencies, provide guidance and coordinate assistance. Cops requested residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas prone to landslides or road blockage, and keep themselves updated on weather forecasts and advisories issued by authorities.

In Reasi district, a landslide at Kandamorh in Pouni tehsil on Tuesday morning blocked the road.