Jammu Keeps Schools Shut Till Tuesday as Heavy Rains Persist

Quick Summary

• Authorities in Jammu extended the closure of all government and private schools due to heavy rainfall forecasts; schools will remain closed on September 2.
• The University of Jammu postponed all examinations scheduled for September 2, 3, and 4; fresh dates will be announced later.
• The local meteorological office predicted moderate to heavy rainfall in most parts of Jammu division on September 2-3, with heavy to very heavy rain expected in Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, and Reasi districts.
• Flash floods, landslides, cloudbursts, or rising water levels are possible in vulnerable areas across the region during this period. People are advised to stay away from water bodies and avoid landslide-prone areas.
• As August 14, over 130 people have lost their lives due to cloudbursts and related incidents across various districts such as Kishtwar, Kathua, Reasi, and Ramban. Over 120 others where injured while at least 33 remain untraced.
• Record rainfall on August 26-27 caused notable flash floods and damaged public/private properties in low-lying areas of Jammu division.
• Online classes have been recommended wherever possible by the Directorate of school education.

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Indian Opinion Analysis
The ongoing closure of educational institutions highlights the gravity of the weather situation across the Jammu region amid predictions of further heavy rainfall.This preventive measure underscores prioritizing public safety but also raises concerns about prolonged disruptions for students reliant on physical classrooms or examination schedules-mitigated somewhat by online learning provisions where feasible.

Cumulatively since mid-August disasters like flash floods have contributed significantly to loss of life (over 130 fatalities), underscoring both immediate risks posed by extreme weather events – especially during monsoon seasons- alongside systemic vulnerabilities flood-mitigation needed longterm Strategies-expansion ;measures