Jammu and Kashmir grapples with bad weather conditions as heavy rains trigger floods in Handwara and Kupwara, coupled with landslides and avalanches in Sonmarg following intense snowfall.
Authorities in Kashmir have announced closure of all schools in the valley on Tuesday as a precautionary measure in view of the rising water level in rivers and streams due to incessant rainfall over the past three days.
Schools To Be Closed On Tuesday
The Directorate of School Education, Kashmir, issued the order to suspend classes in all schools up to the higher secondary level on Tuesday.
The step has been taken as a precautionary measure in view on the incessant rainfall, according to the order.
What Has The Met Department Said?
The meteorological department said, "The weather will improve from tomorrow. The weather will be generally dry with no major activity from May 1 to May 5."
"In view of inclement weather and avalanche warning issued by JKDMA, the class work in all the schools is suspended across the district on April 29 as a precautionary measure for the safety of students," an official told PTI.
He had said however, teaching and non-teaching staff shall attend their duties to monitor the situation and ensure safety of assets of their respective institutions.
An avalanche occurred in the Sarbal area of Sonamarg, located in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir, amidst heavy rains in other parts of the valley but it being struck on the forest side, resulted in no casualties, financial losses, or damage.
Due to rain, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway was shut down on Monday because of several landslides.
These landslides occurred at Mehar, Gangroo, Mom Passi, and Kishtwari Pather in Ramban district, blocking the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.
As per reports, the Mughal road, which is an alternative route connecting Poonch and Rajouri districts in Jammu to Shopian district in south Kashmir, has been closed for the third consecutive day due to snowfall in Peer Ki Gali and the surrounding areas.
Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri told ANI, "We are closely monitoring the situation. Our officials including DCs are alert. As of now, no water body has reached the warning level. Sopore-Kupwara main road connection is disrupted due to overflowing water. According to the weather advisory, rainfall may continue until midnight, but its intensity will start decreasing afterwards, Tonight, all district officials will remain on the field. After field assessment, we have decided that as a precautionary measure, schools will remain closed tomorrow. People should avoid going near water bodies."
Danger Warning After Flashflood In Kupwara
While a danger warning has been issued for the Pohru Nallah in Kupwara district, the water level in other water bodies of the valley, including the Jhelum river, is still below the alert mark. The meteorological department has forecast wet weather till Tuesday evening.
Heavy rainfall has caused water accumulation in certain parts of Handwara and Kupwara towns, leading the authorities to initiate a mission to relocate the impacted inhabitants.
Continuous rainfall over the past 48 hours has led to an increase in water levels in water bodies across Kashmir.
Officials have issued a danger warning for Pohru Nallah in Kupwara.
The Jhelum river and other water bodies are currently below the alert mark.
Schools In Kupwara Were Closed On Monday
Heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir's border district of Kupwara on Monday forced authorities to suspend classes in schools as a precautionary measure.
"In view of inclement weather and an avalanche warning issued by the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (JKSDMA), class work in all schools across the district is suspended on 29-4-2024 as a precautionary measure for the safety of students," an official said.
However, teaching and non-teaching staff shall attend their duties to monitor the situation and ensure safety of assets of their respective schools, he said.
The meteorological department has forecast wet weather till Tuesday evening.
"The weather will improve from Tuesday. The weather will be generally dry with no major activity from May 1 to May 5," a Met department official said.
