Srinagar, Aug 29 (KNS): Road clearance operations were launched by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in the Pir Panjal belt of Rajouri on Friday after heavy rains and flash floods triggered landslides that snapped vital links in the district, officials said.

The disruption came a day after the Union Territory witnessed severe weather conditions, with intense rainfall and landslips throwing life out of gear across several districts.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded weather warnings for the coming days. A yellow alert was issued for Friday in Poonch, Reasi, Rajouri, Kishtwar and Udhampur, cautioning of thunderstorms and lightning. For Saturday and Sunday, an orange alert has been declared in Poonch, Kishtwar, Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur, pointing to the possibility of heavier rainfall.

In response to the deteriorating weather, authorities have ordered all government and private schools across the Jammu Division to remain shut till August 30, 2025.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe directive followed reports of widespread disruption in multiple districts.

Education officers were advised to explore online teaching options, particularly for students of Classes 9 to 12, where facilities allow.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also took stock of the situation, expressing concern at the damage inflicted by two days of incessant rains. He remarked that Jammu and Kashmir had “narrowly escaped a major crisis” and underlined the need for stronger preventive measures.

Officials said men and machinery of the BRO are working to clear the blocked stretches in Rajouri, with efforts focused on restoring connectivity before the next spell of rain sets in.(KNS)