The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in multiple districts of Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Nainital, Champawat, Chamoli, and Udham Singh Nagar. Meteorologists have warned that these regions may experience several rounds of intense rain throughout the day.
As a precaution, schools in Chamoli, Champawat, Nainital, and two other districts have been closed to ensure the safety of children and staff. In the remaining districts, a yellow alert has been issued, cautioning residents about potential weather-related disruptions.
Meteorologist Rohit Thapliyal said that continuous rainfall has already brought temperatures below seasonal averages. He noted that rain spells are expected to continue over the coming days, keeping conditions wet and potentially hazardous.
Schools Shut as Precautionary Measure
District administrations in the worst-hit regions moved swiftly to announce school closures, responding to IMD forecasts and growing safety concerns. This is the second such round of closures in recent weeks, underlining the severity of monsoon disruptions in the state.
Parents welcomed the decision, noting that heavy rainfall often results in blocked routes and unsafe travel conditions for children in hilly terrains.
486 Roads Blocked Across the State
The heavy downpour has triggered landslides and debris flows, leading to widespread road closures across Uttarakhand. According to the Public Works Department (PWD), 486 roads are currently blocked, causing major disruptions to transport and relief work.
The breakdown of road closures includes:
8 national highways
35 state highways
21 main district roads
8 other district roads
127 rural roads
District-wise closures are reported as follows:
67 in Pauri
34 in Tehri
59 in Chamoli
51 in Rudraprayag
63 in Uttarkashi
35 in Dehradun
9 in Haridwar
48 in Pithoragarh
12 in Champawat
63 in Almora
15 in Bageshwar
28 in Nainital
2 in Udham Singh Nagar
PWD officials stated that clearance operations are underway but continuous rain and fresh landslides are hampering progress. Heavy machinery has been deployed at critical stretches, especially along highways connecting pilgrimage routes.
Rising Concerns Over Safety and Connectivity
The blocked roads have not only stranded local commuters but also impacted tourism and pilgrimage travel. The Char Dham Yatra, which sees heavy footfall during this season, is facing logistical hurdles as several feeder roads remain unsafe.
Officials have urged residents and travelers to avoid unnecessary movement in affected districts. Relief camps and emergency shelters have been kept on standby, and health teams have been mobilized to address emergencies.
Looking Ahead
With the IMD forecasting continued heavy rainfall over the next few days, authorities remain on high alert. Disaster management teams have been instructed to stay prepared for rapid deployment in case of flooding, landslides, or building collapses.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and minimizing disruptions, even as monsoon challenges persist.
