CM reviews rain situation in J&K, directs admin to intensify ground response
- Schools shut in J&K
- NH closed amid rising water levels
- Various KU exams postponed
STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday convened an emergency meeting to review the situation arising from incessant rains across Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister Sakina Itoo and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani briefed him on the latest situation in the Kashmir Valley, while Ministers Javed Ahmad Rana and Satish Sharma reported on conditions in the Jammu division, including flash floods, road blockages and vulnerable habitations near riverbanks and landslide-prone areas.
The Chief Minister directed the administration to intensify ground response, clear waterlogged areas, ensure supply of essential services such as power, water and healthcare, and ensure timely evacuation of residents from critical zones.
He instructed divisional and district administrations to work in close coordination with disaster response agencies, police and health departments, and to maintain readiness for any eventuality. CM directed that adequate stock of ration, fuel, medicines and drinking water be made available in vulnerable areas, with emergency medical teams kept on standby.
Chief Minister has been taking hourly updates on rising water levels in Jhelum and its tributaries, status of power & water supply, road connectivity and has directed concerned departments to ensure that advance warnings are issued to the general public about any eventuality and for administration to provide timely help and assistance to people.
Appealing for public cooperation, the Chief Minister urged people to follow advisories, avoid unsafe areas, and report emergencies promptly. He assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and committed to mitigating hardships.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens is our top most priority. I appeal to the public to stay vigilant, extend cooperation to the administration. Together, we will overcome this challenge,” CM Omar Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister directed officials to provide regular updates and reaffirmed that all possible measures are being taken to ensure relief and safety of the affected families.
Authorities announced the closure of schools and colleges across the Kashmir Valley for the day, as the weather department has forecast more rainfall over the next 24 hours, they said.
“Hon’ble Ministers @JavedRanaa and @satishsharmajnk briefed on the situation in Jammu, while Hon’ble Minister @sakinaitoo and Advisor to the CM @nasirsogami provided updates on the situation in Kashmir. The Chief Minister appealed to the people to follow advisories, avoid vulnerable spots, and stay safe,” the CM’s office said.
Although the Jhelum river and its tributaries are flowing significantly below the danger mark, water levels in parts of south and central Kashmir, including Srinagar, have risen sharply since the rainfall began on Tuesday, officials said.
The Irrigation and Flood Control Department said water gauges are rising and may increase further due to continued rainfall.
“All the concerned authorities are requested to remain alert and take necessary measures. The general public is advised not to venture close to water bodies and exercise caution. All officers assigned flood duties must immediately report to their posts,” the department said in a post on X.
The heavy downpour over the past 24 hours also led to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) due to landslides, shooting stones, and waterlogging at multiple locations.
“The highway has been closed for all types of vehicular traffic,” officials said.
As a precautionary measure, all educational institutions across the Kashmir division have been closed for the day.
“In view of inclement weather conditions, schools and colleges across the Kashmir division shall remain closed today, on 03.09.2025,” authorities said.
Various examinations of Kashmir University and other universities in the valley scheduled for Wednesday have also been postponed.
