Severe Weather Disrupts Jammu & Kashmir, Schools Closed
Heavy rains and floods lead to school closures and emergency rescue operations across Jammu & Kashmir on August 19, 2025.
Jammu & Kashmir faces significant disruptions due to relentless monsoon rains, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and road blockades. The District Education Office announced that all government and private schools in the Jammu division remain closed to protect students amid severe weather risks. The closure affects multiple districts including Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Poonch, Rajouri, Samba, Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban. Authorities stress caution and urge residents to avoid non-essential travel, especially in vulnerable zones near rivers and hills.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued flash flood and landslide warnings, which have triggered a heightened disaster response. Vital highways such as the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and Mughal Road face blockages from landslides and waterlogging, severely impacting connectivity. Emergency teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army, and local agencies are actively engaged in rescue and relief duties, working to evacuate stranded people and clear debris for transportation restoration.
The Kishtwar district remains the most severely affected region, still reeling from the devastating cloudburst earlier this month that claimed dozens of lives and left many missing. Search efforts continue under difficult conditions, with support from army engineers who built a new bridge over the Chisoti Nala to facilitate rescue and relief operations. Several fatalities were also reported from other districts due to landslides and sudden flooding incidents.
Local administrations have set up emergency control rooms and helplines while continuously monitoring the evolving weather situation. The public is strongly advised to follow official updates and safety instructions to navigate the ongoing monsoon challenges. Upcoming days may bring further heavy rainfall, making sustained alertness and preparedness essential for life and property protection in the region.
This severe weather episode highlights the vulnerabilities of Jammu & Kashmir to monsoon-induced disasters and the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure, early warning systems, and disaster management capabilities to safeguard communities
