In response to ongoing severe weather conditions, all schools across the Kashmir valley will remain closed on Monday, April 21, as a precautionary measure to protect students, announced Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo.
Taking to social media platform X, Itoo stated, “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.”
The closure comes amid intense rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides affecting large parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued a yellow alert for most districts, except Jammu, Poonch, Kathua, Muzzafarabad, and Mirpur.
Ramban district has been hit particularly hard. Flash floods and landslides early Sunday morning caused the collapse of two houses in Bagahana village, resulting in the deaths of at least three people, including two children. Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary reported that around 200–250 houses have been damaged in the area.
“The National Highway has been blocked at multiple locations due to incessant rainfall and cloudbursts. Several houses and hotels in Ramban have suffered extensive damage,” said Chaudhary. Rescue operations are underway with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local teams deployed on-site.
The Indian Army, in coordination with the local administration, has launched large-scale relief efforts, including the establishment of medical aid camps, distribution of medicines, and provision of food and clean drinking water to the affected population.
Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh praised the swift response, stating on X, “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.”
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary visited Ramban to assess the situation firsthand, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences over the loss of life and property. “Extremely anguished by the tragic landslide and flash flood in Ramban… We are in touch with the local administration to ensure immediate rescue efforts wherever needed,” he said in an official statement.
Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors, avoid travel along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, and closely follow safety advisories as weather disruptions continue across the region.
