Heavy rain traps three school vehicles in AJK’s Leepa Valley

Three vehicles carrying students and staff of a private school became stranded while travelling towards Barah Hazari, a mountainous tourist destination in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Leepa Valley, after heavy rainfall caused water levels in local streams to rise.

According to local sources, more than 50 people, including schoolchildren and teachers, were travelling in the three vehicles when they became trapped due to the worsening weather conditions. The vehicles were reportedly unable to continue their journey as heavy rain triggered flooding in the surrounding mountainous areas.

Local residents have begun moving towards the affected area to assist the children and school staff. Efforts are underway to provide them with necessary support and ensure their safety until the route becomes accessible again.

Assistant Commissioner Amir Ahmed said heavy rainfall in mountainous areas often causes sudden rises in water levels in seasonal streams. He assured that all the children and school staff were safe and had reached a secure location.

The official said the administration was monitoring the situation and would arrange their rescue as soon as the road was cleared. He added that authorities and local residents were working together to ensure that everyone stranded in the area was brought back safely.

Heavy rains can frequently disrupt road links in the mountainous regions of Azad Kashmir, where sudden flooding and landslides can make routes difficult to cross. Authorities generally advise residents and tourists to avoid travelling through vulnerable areas during severe weather and to follow safety instructions issued by local administrations.