Jammu schools, colleges closed today amid heavy rain warning; at least 68 dead in cloudbursts

Jammu Schools Closed: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of all schools, colleges in Jammu region on Monday in view of the “inclement and bad weather conditions. At least 68 persons have lost their lives and 122 suffered injuries in three cloudbursts in the last four days.

"In view of the inclement and bad weather conditions, it is hereby ordered that all government as well as private schools of Jammu Division shall remain closed for tomorrow, i.e., 18.8.2025," Director, School Education said.

The decision was made after the weather department issued a warning of heavy rains in ten districts of the region.

The Meteorological Department issued a weather advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, predicting heavy rains and thundershowers from August 17 to 19.

"Risk of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides in vulnerable areas. Districts on alert include Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban and parts of Kashmir," it said.

On August 14, flash floods triggered by cloudburst struck Chisoti — the last motorable village en route to the Machail Mata temple in Kishtwar — leaving 61 persons dead and more than 116 others injured.

So far, 82 people — 81 pilgrims and one CISF personnel — are reported missing after the cloudburst-induced floods hit the village.

On August 17, seven persons were killed and five others injured in two separate incidents of cloudburst and landslide in the Kathua district. The calamity struck the Jodh Ghati village of Rajbagh and Janglote amid heavy overnight rains.

(With inputs from PTI)