Authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have announced that schools closed for two days, on August 15 and 16, due to heavy rainfall and flooding. The order applies to all public and private educational institutions in the region.
A notification was issued after continuous downpours raised the risk of landslides. Officials say the decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff.
In Muzaffarabad, a cloudburst in the Naseerabad area triggered flash floods, killing six members of the same family. Other parts of AJK, including Bagh and Samahni, have also been severely affected. Rivers and streams are overflowing, with Bhimber Nala in Samahni facing dangerously high flood levels.
The extreme weather has not only forced schools closed but also caused widespread damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure. In Gilgit-Baltistan, landslides and floods have struck several districts. In Ghizer, three people lost their lives and three more are missing after being trapped in a landslide.
In Diamer, a brother and sister were swept away by floodwaters, while another child was injured in a Babusar Road landslide.
In Hunza, the melting of the Shishper Glacier has worsened erosion along both banks of the Hassanabad stream. Evacuation notices have been issued, and residents are leaving their homes as a safety measure.
The Gilgit-Baltistan government has declared emergencies in multiple areas. Spokesperson Faizullah Firaq urged people in low-lying regions like Chinar Bagh to remain alert and relocate to safer areas.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mansehra’s Siran Valley was hit by torrential rain, causing a stream to overflow near the Siran Valley Family Park. Around 1,300 tourists were stranded but later rescued by emergency teams.
With schools closed and damage continuing, officials warn that more precautionary steps may be needed if heavy rains persist.
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