Jammu: Widespread rainfall continued to affect normal life across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, prompting authorities to shut schools in Doda and most parts of Kishtwar as a precautionary measure, while the Meteorological Department warned of possible flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas due to intense rainfall activity over the next several days.
The administration in Doda and Kishtwar ordered the closure of government and private schools following adverse weather conditions, slippery roads and safety concerns. However, schools in both districts have been directed to continue academic activities through online classes.
Acting on the directions of the District Development Commissioner (DDC), Doda, the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Doda ordered closure of all government and private schools across the district on July 29 to ensure the safety of students and teaching staff.
In neighbouring Kishtwar district, authorities also ordered closure of schools due to continuous heavy rainfall, slippery roads and the possibility of shooting stones in hilly areas.
However, schools located within Kishtwar town, from Malipeth to Cherhar, were exempted from the order and remained open.
Moderate to heavy rainfall began around 5 am across the Chenab Valley, including Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban, affecting movement in several areas.
Officials said the administration was closely monitoring the situation after the weather department predicted continued rainfall activity in the region. Despite the weather conditions, the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, remained open for traffic.
Heavy rainfall also triggered damage to residential structures in Jammu city, where a portion of an old house collapsed in Malhotra Mohalla area of the old city.
Officials said the collapsed portion was being used as a store and no casualties were reported in the incident. The collapse apparently occurred after continuous rainfall weakened the structure. Authorities said the exact cause of the incident was being ascertained.
The incident raised concerns over the safety of old and vulnerable buildings in congested areas of Jammu city during the monsoon season.
Residents have urged the district administration to conduct a structural safety assessment of old buildings and take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents.
Meanwhile, officials said a residential house and a school building were damaged due to land sinking caused by heavy rainfall in Jabbra-Surothi area of Mendhar in Poonch district.
According to the weather department, Jammu city recorded 52 mm rainfall in the 24 hours ending Wednesday at 5:30 pm.
Samba received the highest rainfall in the Jammu region with 87 mm, followed by Katra at 71.2 mm and Udhampur at 65 mm.
Other areas also witnessed significant rainfall, including Kukernag with 21 mm, Bhaderwah 9.2 mm, Gulmarg 7.8 mm, Batote 3.4 mm and Qazigund 3.2 mm during the same period.
The rainfall brought down daytime temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir, with several stations recording temperatures below normal.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said widespread rainfall kept temperatures several degrees below normal across the Union Territory.
Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 25.7 degrees Celsius, which was 4.2 degrees below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 20.8 degrees Celsius, around 2 degrees above normal.
Other temperatures recorded across the region included Qazigund 24.4 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 20.6 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 26.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 23.5 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg 18 degrees Celsius, Jammu 31.3 degrees Celsius, Banihal 26.1 degrees Celsius, Batote 25.1 degrees Celsius, Katra 28.2 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 25.6 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department has forecast continued wet weather across Jammu and Kashmir, with the possibility of heavy to intense showers in several areas.
The IMD said July 30 and 31 are likely to witness light to moderate rain or thundershowers at most places, with chances of brief intense heavy showers or torrential rainfall at a few locations in Jammu division, mainly during early morning, morning and late afternoon or evening hours.
Some areas in Kashmir division may also experience brief intense showers during this period.
For August 1 and 2, the weather department has predicted one or two spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places, accompanied by brief intense showers.
Between August 3 and 5, wet conditions are expected to continue, with light to moderate rainfall at many places and the possibility of heavy rain or intense to torrential showers in some districts of Jammu division.
The MeT has forecast a wet spell across Jammu division until August 7.
Warning people about possible hazards, the IMD said torrential rain or brief intense heavy showers could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations between July 30 and August 2.
The department advised residents, tourists, travellers and transporters to remain alert and strictly follow advisories issued by local administrations.
Authorities have urged people living in vulnerable and hilly areas to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.
