AJK announces holidays amid severe weather

RAWALAKOT: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has announced holidays in all public and private educational institutions owing to the severe weather and ongoing spell of heavy rains and flooding in the region.

According to notifications issued by the AJK Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, schools and colleges will remain closed from August 19 to August 23.

The decision comes as several parts of AJK have been battered by monsoon rains, triggering flash floods and landslides.

Rawalakot was among the worst-hit areas, where torrential rains caused widespread destruction. A woman lecturer at the University of Poonch was swept away when flash floods carried away her car near the Tarar campus.

Rescue efforts remained unsuccessful. Several houses and school buildings were also inundated.

In view of the situation, the University of Poonch, Rawalakot, also announced a two-day closure.

“In view of the prevailing severe weather conditions and considering the safety of students, faculty and staff, the university shall remain closed on Tuesday, August 19, and Wednesday, August 20,” the notification read.

It urged students and staff to stay away from campuses during this period.

Worsening impacts of climate change

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of worsening impacts of climate change, as the country reels from unprecedented flooding.

“So far, 670 people have lost their lives nationwide due to torrential rains, while 80 to 90 are still missing,” the NDMA chairman said, adding that search operations were underway for those swept away by floodwaters.

KP flood toll rises to 379

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the confirmed death toll from flooding has climbed to 379, while dozens remain missing.

Authorities fear the number may rise further.

Weather forecast

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), partly cloudy conditions with chances of rain, wind and thundershowers are expected in Islamabad, Punjab, KP, Sindh, Balochistan, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The PMD has also warned of possible flash floods in local streams and rivers of KP, AJK, G-B, the Potohar region, DG Khan, Koh-e-Suleman, and northeastern Balochistan over the next few days.