Srinagar - In response to severe weather conditions, the government has announced the suspension of classwork for all schools in the Kashmir Valley on Monday, April 21, 2025. This decision was confirmed by the Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister, Sakina Itoo, who emphasized that the safety of students is the primary concern.
"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)," Itoo stated in a post on X. She further elaborated that this precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
An official order from the office of the divisional commissioner reiterated this decision, stating, "In view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions & as a precautionary measure, all the Government and Private Schools of Kashmir Division shall remain closed on the day 21-04-2025." Despite the school closures, the order specified that all teaching and non-teaching staff are still required to attend their duties as usual.
Compounding the situation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of adverse weather, predicting thunderstorms and strong winds across Jammu and Kashmir. The IMD forecast indicates light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds, affecting most areas in the Western Himalayan region until Monday.
In addition to the school closures in the Kashmir Valley, all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and technical institutions, in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district will also be closed on April 21, 2025. This decision follows the devastating impact of landslides and flash floods triggered by extreme rainfall in the area.
The Deputy Commissioner of Ramban announced via X that, "In view of inclement weather and heavy rain causing flash floods, all Govt and Private Schools, Colleges & Technical Education Institutions of district Ramban shall remain closed on 21.04.2025. Stay indoors, stay safe." This warning highlights the urgent need for residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.
Tragically, three individuals lost their lives in Ramban district due to the severe weather. The victims, Aqib Ahmad (12), his brother Mohd Saqib (10), and their neighbor Muni Ram (65), succumbed to the effects of a cloudburst that struck the Seri Bagna village. In addition to the fatalities, the extreme weather has caused significant damage to infrastructure, with scores of houses, shops, and roads affected.
Reports indicate that over 100 people were rescued from dangerous situations as flash floods swept through the region. Many villages have been cut off from the district headquarters due to roads being washed away by the flooding. The strategic 250-kilometre Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which serves as the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, has also been impacted. Traffic on this highway was suspended due to debris blocking the route at nearly a dozen locations between Nashri and Banihal, further complicating the situation.
The IMD has predicted isolated heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, and Himachal Pradesh on April 20, with moderate rainfall activity expected to continue into April 21. Meanwhile, other regions such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are also expected to experience similar weather conditions.
As the region grapples with these adverse weather conditions, the IMD has also forecasted heat wave to severe heat wave conditions in Rajasthan, although they are expected to abate following April 20. Central Maharashtra and Marathwada are likely to face hot and humid weather, while isolated areas in Uttar Pradesh and West Rajasthan may experience dust storms.
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather in the region, and the government's proactive measures to prioritize student safety during such events. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates and guidance to residents as necessary.
In light of these developments, parents and guardians are urged to remain vigilant and keep abreast of any further announcements from local authorities regarding school operations and safety measures. The community's resilience in the face of such challenges will be crucial as they navigate the impacts of this severe weather.
