Why Are Schools in Jammu Division Closed on September 2?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Schools closed on September 2 for safety reasons.
- Online classes encouraged for continuity of education.
- Severe weather warnings issued by MET Department.
- Heavy rainfall and landslides pose risks to residents.
- Supply chain disruptions affecting essential goods.
Jammu, September 1 (NationPress) All educational institutions within the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir will be closed on September 2 due to a severe weather advisory issued on Monday, as confirmed by local authorities.
An announcement from the Director of the School Education Department in Jammu indicated that due to weather warnings and ongoing rainfall resulting in landslides in mountainous regions, and to prioritize the safety of both students and staff, it has been mandated that all government and private schools throughout the Jammu division will remain closed on September 2.
“It is mandated that online classes be held wherever feasible,” the Department noted.
The MET Department has predicted predominantly overcast conditions on September 2 and 3, with intermittent light to moderate rain and thunderstorms expected in various locations, alongside a potential for heavy rainfall in Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, and Reasi, as well as moderate to heavy rains in Doda, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Samba, Anantnag, and Kulgam.
“There is a risk of cloudbursts, landslides, mudslides, and falling rocks in susceptible areas. Residents are advised to avoid water bodies, nallahs, riverbanks, and unstable structures,” the advisory cautioned.
In the meantime, the Jammu-Srinagar highway, after having cleared many stranded vehicles today, was once again closed for traffic.
The ongoing closure of this critical route has disrupted essential supplies to the Valley, resulting in soaring prices for commodities such as poultry over the past few days.
Since the tragic cloudburst on August 14 in Chashoti village of Kishtwar district, which claimed the lives of 67 individuals, predominantly pilgrims of the Machail Mata Yatra, the persistent rains have led to unparalleled flooding in the Jammu division, inflicting considerable damage to bridges, roads, and both government and private properties.
On August 26, a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine resulted in the deaths of 36 pilgrims, even though the Yatra had been halted.
While many pilgrims had returned to the base camp at Katra, a significant number had taken refuge in a designated shelter that was subsequently affected by the landslide.
This segment of the Yatra path had previously never experienced landslide issues.