Jammu and Kashmir cloudburst: Schools to remain shut today amid severe weather warnings

SRINAGAR: Due to continuing harsh weather conditions and predictions, Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) education minister Sakina Itoo announced that all schools in the Kashmir valley will remain closed for classwork on Monday, April 21.
The authorities have implemented this precautionary closure to protect students and ensure their safety throughout the Valley.
Taking to social media platform X, Itoo wrote, "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 tomorrow (21st April). This decision has been taken as a precautionary step to ensure the safety and well-being of all students"

Parts of Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing severe rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas. The Srinagar Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert, signifying a 'watch' for most districts, with the exception of Jammu, Poonch, Kathua, Muzzafarabad and Mirpur.
Heavy rains on Sunday morning caused flash floods and landslides in Ramban district, resulting in extensive destruction. A landslide in Bagahana village led to the collapse of two houses, claiming three lives, including two children.
Deputy commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary reports that Ramban district bore the brunt of the damage, with an estimated 200-250 houses affected by the calamity.
"Due to incessant rainfall and cloudburst, the National Highway was closed at several places. In Ramban, houses and hotels have been damaged," Chaudhary said, adding that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local teams are on-site for rescue operations.
The armed forces of India, working alongside district authorities, have initiated extensive rescue operations, encompassing medical facilities, provision of vital medicines, and distribution of food and potable water supplies.
Dr Jitendra Singh, minister of tate, commended the swift response and support provided by the Indian Army and local administrative bodies.
"In the aftermath of the torrential hailstorm yesterday, while the district administration team led by energetic DC Mr Baseer Haq has been commendably on the job since last night, it is time also to acknowledge and thank the Indian Army for their timely assistance, which played a crucial role in providing relief to the local population," Singh wrote in a post on X.

"I feel gratified to inform that the Army has set up medical aid camps, distributed essential medicines and ensured access to food and clean drinking water. They have also made special arrangements for tea and basic meals for the affected population. Needless to say, the Indian Army at the service of the nation, not only during wartime but equally as much during peacetime crises," he added.
Deputy chief minister Surinder Chaudhary conducted an inspection visit to Ramban to assess the situation firsthand, whille chief minister Omar Abdullah conveyed his condolences regarding the casualties and guaranteed comprehensive governmental assistance.
"Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash flood in Ramban, which has caused considerable damage to life and property. My thoughts are with the affected families in this difficult hour. We are in touch with the local administration to ensure immediate rescue efforts wherever needed," said Abdullah in a statement shared by the Chief Minister's Office.
The officials have advised locals to remain inside their homes and refrain from using the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. They have also requested people to adhere to official guidelines until weather conditions improve and the clearance work is finished.