The district administration has announced the closure of educational institutions across Azad Kashmir's Muzaffarabad district for Friday.
The decision is part of preventive measures to safeguard students and staff amid worsening weather conditions.
Deputy Commissioner Muzaffarabad, Mudassar Farooq, confirmed that the decision to close schools was made to prevent any potential harm to students.
"The safety of our children is our top priority. We are taking every possible measure to ensure their protection during these adverse weather conditions," Farooq said.
Since the onset of the rains on Wednesday, the region has experienced multiple landslides, leading to temporary closures of key highways. The roads linking Muzaffarabad with Islamabad were obstructed by mudslides but have since been reopened.
Similarly, the highway connecting Wadi Neelum to Muzaffarabad was intermittently blocked due to landslides, though it has now been cleared for traffic.
Authorities are closely monitoring the increasing water levels in the Neelum and Jhelum rivers, which are rising steadily. Residents living in proximity to these rivers have been advised to remain vigilant. SDMA officials are actively assessing the situation and ensuring that all necessary precautions are being taken.
In an official statement, the SDMA highlighted that the closure of educational institutions across the district, excluding the city of Muzaffarabad, is a preventive step to mitigate risks associated with the ongoing heavy rainfall.
The statement emphasised that this measure is being taken to ensure public safety and to avoid any potential accidents or disruptions.
