Dehradun, August 5: Uttarakhand is currently experiencing heavy rainfall, prompting the state disaster management department to go into full alert mode. The meteorological department has issued an orange alert for Dehradun, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh districts for Tuesday, while a yellow alert is in effect for the remaining ten districts of the state. For August 6, an orange alert has also been issued for Dehradun, Chamoli, and Bageshwar, with yellow alerts for other areas.
Vinod Kumar Suman, the secretary of Uttarakhand Disaster Management, reported that continuous rainfall has been recorded since Tuesday morning in several areas, including Dehradun, Mussoorie, Vikasnagar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and Tehri. Significant rainfall has also occurred in Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar. Weather conditions are expected to change in the evening, with clouds from the plains moving towards the hilly regions, raising the likelihood of heavy rainfall in the mountains at night.
He urged residents to stay away from flood-prone areas, low-lying regions, and places where water flow could suddenly increase during the ongoing rainfall. If there is a risk of flooding or swift water flow, people should move to safer locations immediately. Additionally, he advised against unnecessary travel during adverse weather to prevent potential accidents. Citizens were also encouraged to download the ‘Sachet’ app developed by the Government of India, which provides weather alerts, disaster prevention measures, and timely guidelines. This app keeps users informed about weather warnings while traveling or residing anywhere in the country.
Suman mentioned that all control rooms at the state and district levels are operational 24/7, ensuring continuous coordination among various agencies. The department regularly appeals to the public to remain vigilant. In areas where heavy rainfall is expected, alerts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) are communicated to the public via SMS. In cases of extremely serious situations, immediate warnings are issued through cell broadcast technology. The department noted that this system has had a positive impact, with people taking timely precautions.
The department is also closely monitoring potential landslide areas and regions near rivers. Officials explained that river water levels primarily rise due to heavy rainfall in the catchment area and the release of water from dams in upper regions. The department is informed in advance about both situations. They have detailed mapping available to identify which areas may be affected at various water levels. Based on this information, alerts are disseminated through flood control rooms, flood posts, and district administration using sirens, announcements, and other communication methods. If necessary, people from affected areas will be relocated to safer locations.
The disaster management department clarified that, following the Chief Minister‘s directives, all officials are on high alert. In the event of a disaster or any threat, senior officials, district magistrates, and other responsible district administration officers are instructed to assess the situation on-site and expedite relief and rescue operations. The department aims to minimize the impact of any potential disaster and ensure the safety of the public.
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