JAMMU, August 31 — All government and private schools across the Jammu Division will remain closed on September 1, 2025, in view of continuous heavy rainfall and landslides in several hilly areas, the Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) announced on Sunday. The decision, an extension of the earlier directive issued on August 28, aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amid worsening weather conditions.
In an official order, Director of School Education Jammu, Dr. Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by incessant rains that have triggered widespread disruptions. “Keeping in view the incessant rains and landslides in hilly areas, and in order to ensure the safety of students and staff, all government and private schools across Jammu Division shall continue to remain closed on 01-09-2025 (Monday),” the order stated. It has been circulated to the Divisional Commissioner, all Deputy Commissioners, Chief Education Officers, and the Information Department, with instructions to ensure wide publicity through print and electronic media.
The closure comes as Jammu Division grapples with one of its wettest spells in recent years. Over the past week, districts such as Reasi, Ramban, Doda, and Udhampur have recorded significant rainfall, with Jammu city logging 296 mm in a 24-hour period on August 27—its highest since 1973. Udhampur recorded an even more staggering 629.4 mm, marking an 84% surge over its previous record from 2019, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This deluge has led to severe waterlogging, damaged infrastructure, and heightened risks of landslides and flash floods, particularly in hilly terrains.
Recent incidents underscore the gravity of the situation. On August 26, a devastating landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi claimed 34 lives, while a cloudburst in Doda’s Rajgarh village on August 29-30 killed five, with two still missing. In Badder village, Reasi, seven members of a family were buried alive early Saturday when their home collapsed under a landslide triggered by heavy rains. These tragedies have prompted urgent rescue operations involving local police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Indian Army, though communication disruptions and damaged roads have hampered efforts.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), a critical lifeline, remains closed for the fourth consecutive day due to landslides between Jakheni and Chenani, stranding over 2,500 vehicles. Restoration work is ongoing, but officials warn of further delays amid forecasts of moderate to heavy rain until September 2. The IMD has also cautioned about potential flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas, advising residents to avoid water bodies and unstable structures.
Local disruptions have been profound. Floodwaters have submerged low-lying areas in Jammu city, including Gujjar Nagar, where over 5,000 people were evacuated. In Kishtwar and Kathua, overflowing rivers like the Chenab and Ujh have inundated farmland and homes, while damaged bridges have severed connectivity. The administration’s decision to extend school closures reflects growing concerns, with parents and civil society urging sustained safety measures.
The order emphasizes precautionary protocols, urging Heads of Institutions to assess online class feasibility for Classes 9 to 12 where infrastructure permits. It also mandates compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued on August 20, which include regular safety audits and emergency evacuation plans. As the region braces for more rain, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with further updates expected as weather patterns evolve.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
