Heavy Rainfall Triggers Orange Alert in Uttarakhand, Schools Closed and Pilgrims Advised to Exercise Caution

Dehradun, July 28: Continuous monsoon rains in Uttarakhand have begun to impact daily life significantly. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts in the state. In response to the weather warnings, state authorities have ramped up precautionary measures, urging both locals and pilgrims traveling to the Char Dham to exercise special caution.

Given the likelihood of heavy rainfall, the administration has advised residents to stay away from rivers and streams, avoid unnecessary travel, and remain extremely vigilant in hilly areas. Officials have warned that the ongoing rains have heightened the risk of landslides. Local residents and tourists are urged to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the weather department and district administration.

As a precaution, all schools and anganwadi centers in affected areas will remain closed on Tuesday.

According to the weather department, the monsoon is fully active in Uttarakhand, with continuous rainfall affecting most parts of the state over the past few days. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in the districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri, and Pauri Garhwal in the coming hours.

The administration has also issued a special advisory for pilgrims heading to the Char Dham sites of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Travelers are advised to check the latest weather updates before commencing their journey. Officials have warned that the persistent rains could lead to landslides, falling rocks, and other weather-related incidents in the hilly regions.

Amid the continuous rainfall, debris has blocked the Badrinath National Highway near Kanchan Nala, disrupting vehicle movement on this route.

Additionally, the new bridge over the Tons River at Nanda Ki Chauki in Prem Nagar has been damaged due to the heavy rains, affecting traffic between Dehradun, Vikas Nagar, and neighboring Himachal Pradesh.

The weather department has indicated that heavy rainfall is likely in areas including Purola, Barkot, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Sonprayag, Tharali, Nanda Devi mountain region, Munsiyari, Berinag, Gangolihaat, Didihat, Jaspur, Rudrapur, Khatima, and surrounding regions. The administration has urged residents in these areas to remain alert and avoid sensitive locations until the weather stabilizes.