Uttarakhand, India – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red’ alert for the state of Uttarakhand, signaling the prediction of heavy rainfall for the next two days. The IMD’s warning has raised concerns over potential flooding and landslides, urging the public to exercise caution and follow safety measures.
According to the weather forecasting agency, Uttarakhand is expected to receive more than 204mm of rainfall on August 13-14. The alert comes as a precautionary measure due to the potential for excessive rainfall in the region. The Met department has advised residents and tourists to avoid areas prone to waterlogging and to steer clear of vulnerable structures.
The IMD’s warning follows a recent tragedy in which five pilgrims lost their lives. Their vehicle was buried in a landslide at Tarsali under Chowki Phata in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Among the deceased were three devotees from Gujarat and one from Haridwar. Authorities are working to identify the fifth victim as the state grapples with the aftermath of the calamity.
Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, emphasized that restoring normalcy to the state disrupted by monsoon rains is a priority. The government is also focused on providing swift aid and relief to those affected by the recent calamity. Dhami, in a tweet, shared, “Red and orange alerts have been issued by the Meteorological Department in many districts of the state. All the residents and tourists are requested to avoid unnecessary travel.”
As part of the state’s disaster management efforts, Chief Minister Dhami conducted a ground inspection of the rain-hit Kotdwar area. This region witnessed a man going missing in a landslide a few days ago, and several bridges were damaged, isolating a significant population from the rest of the state. The government’s response is geared towards minimizing further risks and facilitating support to those affected.
Apart from Uttarakhand, the IMD has also issued an orange alert for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya. These states are projected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 to 204.4 mm on the same day. The alerts underscore the importance of preparedness and precaution as regions across India brace for the impact of monsoon rains.
Sources By Agencies
