Schools in Jammu to Remain Shut Till August 30 Amid Rain Havoc; Online Classes Advised for Senior Students

Jammu and Kashmir : The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of all schools—both government and private—across the Jammu division till August 30, following days of continuous heavy rainfall and widespread flooding that have severely disrupted daily life. The order, issued by Dr Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, Director of School Education, emphasizes student and staff safety as the foremost priority.

Schools in the region remained closed for the third consecutive day on Thursday as extreme weather conditions rendered many campuses inaccessible or unsafe. Torrential rains have led to severe waterlogging, accumulation of mud in school premises, and damage to road infrastructure, including blocked or eroded roads, particularly in low-lying and hilly areas. According to the official statement, flooding has made travel difficult and dangerous, while the threat of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones continues to loom large in mountainous regions.

In view of the continued weather-related challenges, the Director has directed school heads to explore the feasibility of online classes, particularly for students in Classes 9 to 12, wherever internet access and digital infrastructure are available. This move aims to minimize academic loss without compromising the safety of students.

Dr Chowdhary further stated that all Chief Education Officers and Heads of Institutions must strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) laid down for reopening of schools. Before resuming physical classes, school authorities are required to ensure complete cleaning and sanitation of the premises and conduct thorough safety inspections to ensure that students and staff can return to a secure environment.

The devastating weather over the past two days has already claimed at least 45 lives, most of them due to a massive landslide on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route. While rainfall intensity has somewhat decreased since Wednesday, the situation remains critical in many areas, with relief and rescue operations still underway.

The Directorate has assured that the situation is being closely monitored, and any further instructions will be issued based on evolving ground conditions and updated weather forecasts. These precautionary steps, the statement added, have been taken in light of the multiple disruptions caused by the rains, which have not only impacted transportation and infrastructure but also rendered schools physically unfit for operations.