Jammu and Himachal schools shut amid torrential rains, flash flood threats: Here’s what we know so far |
Severe weather has prompted authorities to shut all government and private schools in the Jammu division on August 26, 2025. The Directorate of School Education, Jammu, issued the order citing persistent inclement conditions affecting student safety.“In view of the inclement weather conditions, it is hereby ordered that all Government as well as private schools in the Jammu Division shall continue to remain closed till tomorrow, i.e., 26.08.2025,” the order stated.Officials emphasized that the closure applies to every educational institution in the division, ensuring the safety of students amid flooding, landslides, and heavy rainfall. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who recently reviewed the flood situation with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union MoS Jitendra Singh, highlighted the importance of protecting students during extreme weather events. Singh also visited a Jammu hospital treating victims of the Kishtwar cloudburst on August 14 and praised medical staff for their dedication.“I also wanted to go to the spot, but due to bad weather, it is not possible to go there. And it has also been informed that there has been a landslide, so the vehicle could not move forward. All the patients have recovered and are recovering well. And I want to congratulate all the doctors of this medical college for taking care of all the injured people with full dedication, and all are in good condition,” Singh told ANI.
Precautionary school closures in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has followed suit, closing all government and private schools, colleges, and technical institutions except residential facilities across Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, Chamba, Una, and Solan districts, as reported by PTI. Authorities cited heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash flood risks as the primary reasons for the closures.Red alerts for Kangra and Chamba, alongside orange and yellow warnings statewide, have intensified concerns for student safety. Local educational administrators emphasized that closures are necessary to prevent travel risks, flooding incidents, and infrastructural hazards, including road blockages and damaged school facilities.
Impact on education and connectivity
The monsoon has already disrupted normal schooling schedules across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu. In Kangra, floodwaters submerged wards 1 and 2, and water entered the Hamirpur tehsil office. Roads in multiple villages are blocked, further complicating school transport and accessibility. The state recorded 703.7 mm of rainfall since June 1, 22% above the seasonal average, with August alone exceeding norms by 44%.Authorities warned parents and students to remain indoors, citing potential landslides, uprooted trees, flash floods, and power disruptions. The precautionary closures extend to non-residential institutions to ensure student safety during ongoing extreme weather events.
