J&K Floods: Schools Closed, Exams Postponed

Srinagar- In view of the prevailing inclement weather and flood-like situation, authorities on Wednesday announced closure of schools across Kashmir and Jammu divisions. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, said all schools in Kashmir division will remain closed on Thursday, September 4, as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff. “In view of adverse weather conditions, all educational institutions in Kashmir shall remain closed tomorrow on 04.09.2025,” Garg said. Meanwhile, the Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) extended the closure of schools across the Jammu division till Friday, September 5. “In reference to the weather alert issued by the IMD and keeping in view incessant rains, landslides, flash floods, and severe waterlogging in low-lying areas, all government and private schools across Jammu Division shall remain closed till 05.09.2025 to ensure the safety of students and staff,” DSEJ said in an order.

The directorate also directed schools to conduct online classes wherever possible to maintain continuity of learning. The University of Kashmir officials also said that in view of adverse weather conditions, the university shall remain closed on Thursday. “All examinations scheduled for the day are postponed. The fresh dates will be notified separately.” Earlier Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg urged citizens to remain alert throughout the Wednesday night. He said the next 6–8 hours will be particularly critical and appealed to all residents to follow the advisories issued by district administrations. He said preventive evacuations have been activated in Srinagar and parts of South Kashmir and the next few hours are crucial.

Speaking on preventive measures, Garg assured that essential supplies, including food, diesel, petrol, and kerosene, are sufficiently available, and there is no need to panic. He added that health, power, and telecommunication services are functioning normally across the Valley. Preventive evacuations have been activated in several areas, particularly in Srinagar, Kulgam, Anantnag, and Pulwama. “Field teams, including revenue officers, magistrates, police, and SDRF personnel, are actively monitoring water levels and assisting citizens to move to safer locations,” he added. Garg noted that while water levels had receded in some areas during the day, continuous rises have been observed at Sangam and Ram Munshi Bagh. Field teams are closely monitoring these locations to prevent any risk to life and property. He further stated that more than 300 relief shelters have been identified across districts, equipped with blankets, ration materials, power and water supply to support people in need. Citizens relocating to higher grounds or relatives’ homes are being guided by administration teams.