Schools closed in JK'S Doda after heavy rains

All government and private schools up to class 12 in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir remained closed today as a precautionary measure after heavy monsoon rains lashed the region for a third successive day today, officials said.

The heavy rains also triggered landslides at several places along the 110-km Batote-Doda-Kishtwar national highway leading to its closure, they said.

The officials said all schools up to Class 12 remained closed in Doda district which recorded heavy rains since Wednesday.

"We will review the situation later in the day and accordingly a decision will be taken for coming days," said Chief Education Officer, Doda, Mohd Sharief Chauhan.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Zohaib Hassan said the Batote-Kishtwar highway got closed at Drabshalla, Raggi Nallah and Dhansal due to massive landslides triggered by heavy rainfall.

"The highway was closed for traffic leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. We are trying to restore the road as soon as possible but continuous showers are hampering the clearance operation," the officer said.