Jammu and Kashmir government ordered an immediate safety audit of all school buildings across the Jammu division, reeling from devastating heavy rains and flash floods that have claimed over 130 lives since August 14. The directive, issued by the Directorate of School Education Jammu, comes as schools remain closed until Monday, September 2, due to ongoing weather hazards, including landslides and flood-like conditions that have wreaked havoc in districts like Kishtwar, Kathua, Reasi, and Ramban. The move aims to ensure the structural integrity of educational facilities amid widespread damage to infrastructure.
The region has been battered by relentless monsoon activity, with record rainfall on August 26-27 triggering flash floods in low-lying areas and causing landslides that have killed mostly pilgrims, injured over 120 people, and left 33 others missing. The catastrophic weather has damaged public and private properties, submerging roads and homes in districts like Samba, Kathua, and Jammu. In response, the Directorate of School Education instructed chief education officers to coordinate with the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department to conduct urgent safety audits of all government school buildings, emphasizing the need for immediate certification from competent authorities to ensure student safety.
School Education Director Naseem Javaid Chowdhary announced the extension of school closures for both government and private institutions across the Jammu division on Monday, citing incessant rainfall and ongoing landslide risks. The decision follows a week of precautionary closures prompted by weather advisories warning of continued monsoon activity. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted further rainfall, raising concerns about additional flooding and structural vulnerabilities, particularly in hilly areas prone to landslides.
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The safety audit directive underscores the government’s priority to protect students and staff as the region grapples with the aftermath of the floods. Chief education officers have been tasked with ensuring that all school buildings are thoroughly inspected for structural stability, with reports to be submitted promptly. The measure reflects the severity of the situation, as the recent deluge has exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure across the division, prompting authorities to act swiftly to prevent potential tragedies in educational institutions.
As Jammu recovers from the devastating impact of the floods, the focus on school safety highlights the broader challenge of rebuilding and fortifying infrastructure in a region battered by extreme weather. With schools closed and audits underway, parents and communities are anxiously awaiting updates on when education can safely resume, while authorities work to mitigate risks in the face of an unpredictable monsoon season.
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