Government Orders Closure of Educational Institutions as Death Toll Rises to 68 in Kishtwar and Kathua
Schools Shut Across Jammu Division on August 18
The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of all government and private schools in the Jammu region on Monday, August 18, 2025, due to ongoing bad weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and risk of cloudbursts.
“In view of the inclement and bad weather conditions, it is hereby ordered that all government as well as private schools of Jammu Division shall remain closed for tomorrow,” said the Director of School Education, Jammu.
Weather Alert Issued for Multiple Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory for August 17–19, warning of:
- Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms
- Risk of cloudbursts
- Potential flash floods
- Possibility of landslides in hilly and vulnerable areas
Districts on high alert include:
- Jammu
- Reasi
- Udhampur
- Rajouri
- Poonch
- Samba
- Kathua
- Doda
- Kishtwar
- Ramban
- Parts of Kashmir Valley
Tragedy Unfolds: 68 Dead, 122 Injured in Recent Cloudbursts
Over the last four days, 68 people have lost their lives and 122 have been injured due to multiple cloudburst incidents in Kishtwar and Kathua districts.
Key incidents:
- August 14:
- Cloudburst hit Chisoti village in Kishtwar, near the Machail Mata temple route
- 61 dead, over 116 injured
- 82 people missing, including 81 pilgrims and 1 CISF personnel
- August 17:
- 7 killed, 5 injured in Jodh Ghati (Rajbagh) and Janglote (Kathua) due to cloudburst and landslide
- Caused by heavy overnight rains
Emergency Measures & Public Advisory
Authorities are urging residents in affected and vulnerable areas to:
- Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary
- Avoid riverbanks, hill slopes, and landslide-prone zones
- Follow updates from the Meteorological Department and local administration
As Jammu and Kashmir faces the aftermath of deadly cloudbursts and ongoing extreme weather, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and prioritize safety. With schools shut and alerts in place, the region braces for more rain in the coming days.
