The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a strong weather advisory for Nainital and adjoining districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. The forecast, issued on Saturday afternoon, places Nainital under an Orange Alert, with the risk of cloudbursts, landslides, and severe waterlogging in low-lying areas.
According to our correspondent, IMD’s satellite imagery has detected strong convective systems building over the Kumaon region. These systems are expected to cause intense spells of rain, especially during the late evening and night hours, when flash flooding risks typically escalate.
The Central Water Commission (CWC), in coordination with IMD, has identified Nainital as one of the districts facing a moderate to high risk of flash floods. The warning extends to watershed areas where rivers and seasonal streams are already flowing above danger levels due to accumulated rainfall earlier in the week.
Officials have cautioned that sudden surges in the Kosi and Gaula rivers could inundate surrounding villages and trigger landslides on vulnerable hill slopes. Our correspondent adds that heavy inflows into Nainital Lake are being closely monitored, as rising water levels could impact the lake’s retaining structures and nearby settlements.
Precautionary Measures and Administration’s Response
The Nainital district administration has activated emergency response protocols. Disaster management teams, SDRF personnel, and local police have been stationed in landslide-prone areas such as Tallital, Mallital, Haldwani Road, and Jeolikote.
Authorities have appealed to tourists and residents to avoid unnecessary travel to hilly regions and warned against venturing close to rivers, streams, and waterfalls. All schools and educational institutions in Nainital have been advised to remain closed until further notice.
Temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate families from vulnerable locations, and local control rooms are operating round the clock. Mobile health units and relief teams have also been deployed to address emergencies quickly.
Risk to Connectivity and Tourism
The heavy rainfall has already affected road connectivity in several parts of Kumaon. Minor landslides were reported on the Nainital-Kathgodam road, causing temporary traffic halts. Efforts are underway to clear debris, but officials fear that continued rain could lead to fresh blockages.
Tourist activity in Nainital town has slowed considerably, with hoteliers reporting cancellations and transport operators advising travelers to delay trips. The administration has urged visitors already in the city to remain indoors and follow official advisories strictly.
Meanwhile meteorologists indicate that the monsoon will remain active over Uttarakhand until mid-September. With the soil already saturated from continuous rainfall, the possibility of landslides and flash floods is significantly heightened. The IMD has assured that regular bulletins will be issued every six hours to keep the public updated on evolving conditions.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed all district magistrates, including Nainital, to remain on maximum alert and ensure quick deployment of relief materials. The state government has also appealed to citizens to download the Sachet App for timely weather updates.
