The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday ordered all schools across the rain-battered Jammu region to remain closed till August 30, as relentless downpours, floods and landslides continue to claim lives and cripple normal life.

The directive, issued by Director of School Education Dr. Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, underscored that the safety of students, teachers and staff remains paramount. Institutions have been asked to explore the possibility of shifting to online classes, especially for students of Classes 9 to 12, wherever infrastructure and internet connectivity permit.

The closure marks the third consecutive day of suspended classes, as the region grapples with the aftermath of record rainfall that has left at least 45 people dead, most of them in a landslide along the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route. With a brief respite in showers on Wednesday, relief and rescue operations have picked up pace, but officials warn the situation remains precarious.

“The decision has been taken keeping in view severe waterlogging, mud accumulation and flood damage to school premises, along with the risk of landslides and road blockades,” Chowdhary stated.

He directed all Chief Education Officers and school heads to strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures before resuming physical classes, ensuring thorough cleaning, sanitation and safety inspections of school buildings.

Large stretches of road infrastructure have been washed away or blocked by debris, making access to several educational institutions unsafe. Authorities stressed that continuous monitoring is underway and further orders will be issued depending on the evolving weather and ground conditions.