Schools in Doda, Udhampur closed after avalanche warning

The authorities on Saturday ordered closure of all schools in Udhampur and Doda districts following an avalanche advisory by meteorological department .

“Following the avalanche advisory issued by the MeT department in the wake of ongoing heavy rainfall in the state, the authorities have decided to close all the schools in Doda and Udhampur districts,” an official said.

MeT department has predicted heavy rainfall and also issued avalanche warning in the district for today and tomorrow, Chief Education Officer of Doda, Mohd Ashraf Rather said, adding that holiday has been declared in schools to avoid any inconvenience for children.

Examinations for the academic arrangements which were scheduled to be held on 12th and 13th of this month have also been postponed till further orders, he said.

The administration has also declared high alert in several areas in the mountainous Doda district.

As a precautionary measure we have been forced to declare high alert in areas close to river Chenab and its tributaries, and also on slopes and slide prone areas of the district, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Doda, Bhupinder Kumar said.

The DC has also directed all the officers to remain present at their respective headquarters and stay in contact with administration to deal with any emergent situation.

Director General of Police, K Rajendra Kumar has also directed the police administration to remain on high alert across the state to deal with any exigency that could arise due to the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall in the state.