Rain alert in Jammu: Schools shut amid IMD's heavy shower prediction; tourism hit in Bhaderwah

NEW DELHI: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday ordered the closure of all government and private schools in the Jammu division for two days - October 6 and 7 - following a heavy rainfall forecast by the India meteorological department (IMD).

The government circular, issued in view of safety concerns, came after intense downpours triggered damage across multiple districts. In Rajouri, several homes, roads, and farmlands were affected, while landslides blocked key routes, making access difficult for residents.

In Udhampur’s Bant village, a critical bridge was washed away by the rain, cutting off movement and affecting daily life.

Meanwhile, Bhaderwah - a popular tourist destination - is facing a severe downturn in footfall due to a combination of natural calamities including flash floods, cloudbursts, and recent militant-related incidents.

Local residents, many of whom depend on tourism for their livelihood, have urged the government to intervene. “Our economy depends on visitors. The government should organise festivals and take steps to revive tourism here,” a local resident said, appealing to their MLA to raise the matter in the assembly.

The situation remains tense as rains continue across several parts of the Union territory, with disaster response teams on alert.