Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday ordered a safety audit of all school buildings in Jammu division following days of heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash floods that have caused extensive loss of life and property in the region.
In a directive to all chief education officers, the Directorate of School Education, Jammu, asked them to coordinate with the Public Works (Roads and Buildings) Department to conduct structural safety checks of government school buildings on priority. The letter stressed that safety certificates must be obtained from competent authorities without delay.
The move comes after record rainfall on August 26–27 triggered flash floods in several low-lying areas, damaging public and private infrastructure. Since August 14, cloudburst-triggered landslides and flash floods in Kishtwar, Kathua, Reasi, and Ramban districts have killed over 130 people, left more than 120 injured, and 33 others missing.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of School Education has extended the closure of all government and private schools in Jammu division till Monday, citing ongoing rains and landslide threats. Schools have largely remained shut throughout the past week as a precautionary measure.
