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Education Minister Sakina Ittoo has announced that all schools in Jammu Kashmir will remain closed on Monday. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff.
At least three lives were lost and more than 100 people were rescued after intense cloudbursts triggered devastating landslides and flash floods in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday morning. The region witnessed severe damage, with heavy rainfall causing widespread destruction and panic among local residents. Rescue operations were swiftly launched, with emergency teams working tirelessly to evacuate affected individuals and provide relief. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as efforts continue to assess the full extent of the damage and provide necessary support to those impacted.
Hundreds of vehicles were left stranded after traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was suspended on Monday. The 250-kilometre-long highway, which serves as the only all-weather road connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, was blocked due to debris accumulation between the Nashri and Banihal stretches.
The sudden obstruction disrupted vehicular movement in both directions, causing major inconvenience to commuters and goods transporters. Authorities have deployed teams to clear the debris and restore traffic at the earliest. Travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement and stay updated through official traffic advisories.
The three persons who lost their lives belong to the Seri Bagna village, which was struck by a cloudburst, news agency PTI reported. With this, in the last two days, a total of five persons have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in the Jammu region.
“I have never seen such a weather condition in my entire life. I was woken up by the deafening sound of the cloudburst at around 4.30 am and within no time heard cries for help,” a resident of the village told the news agency.
In a devastating turn of events, a sudden flash flood struck Dharam Kund village, causing significant destruction. According to local officials, around 40 residential houses were damaged, with at least 10 homes completely washed away by the surging waters.
Despite relentless rainfall, police personnel acted swiftly, managing to rescue over 100 villagers who were trapped amid the chaos. The immediate response was bolstered by hundreds of local volunteers, who were the first to reach the scene and offer aid to the affected residents.
villagers have been temporarily relocated to a government middle school, where they are being provided with essential support by the local administration. This includes the distribution of groceries and other necessary supplies to ensure their well-being.
A senior official stated that the situation is under close observation and that a detailed assessment will be conducted in due course to determine the assistance required by the affected families. “Our immediate priority is to ensure the safety and security of every individual,” the official emphasized.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the recent incident. Both leaders assured that every possible assistance is being extended to the families affected by the tragedy.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha stated that the district administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and rescue teams are actively engaged in providing swift relief and support to the victims.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh also lauded the efforts of the district administration, highlighting their timely response in managing the crisis. “I am in constant touch with the Deputy Commissioner. The district administration deserves appreciation for their prompt and efficient action, which helped save several precious lives,” he said.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure that all necessary aid reaches those impacted by the incident Jammu & Kashmir.
All Schools in Kashmir to Remain Closed on Monday Amid Ongoing Rescue Operations
In a swift response to the ongoing emergency situation, all schools across Kashmir will remain closed on Monday. The decision has been taken as part of urgent measures to ensure public safety and facilitate uninterrupted rescue operations.
Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary stated, “The administration is implementing government directives with utmost urgency to intensify rescue operations and ensure the safety and welfare of the affected people.”
In view of the prevailing severe weather conditions, all government and private schools, colleges, and technical education institutions across the district will remain closed on Monday, April 21. The decision comes amid forecasts of continued heavy rainfall and is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff.
An official statement confirmed that all educational institutions in Kashmir have been directed to suspend classwork for the day due to adverse weather.
Taking to social media platform X, Education Minister Sakina Ittoo announced, “In light of the continuing severe weather conditions and forecasts, it has been decided that classwork in all schools of the valley shall remain suspended for one day on April 21. This decision has been taken as a precautionary step to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.”
No Need to Panic: J&K Deputy CM Assures Ramban Residents After Landslide
On Sunday, Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, visited the landslide-affected areas in Ramban region to assess the damage and reassure the residents. During his visit, Choudhary emphasized that there is no need for panic, as the authorities are actively working to restore normalcy. He assured the people that all necessary measures are being taken to provide support and safety. The Deputy CM’s presence in the area aims to provide relief and confidence to those impacted by the natural disaster.
Government’s Commitment to Support Victims in the Aftermath of Tragic Incident: Choudhary’s Statement
In a recent statement, Choudhary reassured the public, emphasizing that there was no reason for panic following the tragic incident. He stated, “I have arrived at the scene on the instructions of the Chief Minister, which reflects the government’s deep concern and commitment. The government stands by the affected families during this time of sorrow, and we will make every effort to provide relief to those in need.”
Choudhary further expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives, calling the incident “unfortunate,” as three people tragically lost their lives. The government remains determined to offer all necessary support to the grieving families and those impacted by this heartbreaking event.
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