The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Uttarakhand covering a 24-hour period from August 29th, 12:46 PM to August 30th, 12:46 PM. The forecast warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and episodes of extremely intense rain in multiple districts of the state.
Districts Under Alert
The Orange Alert has been issued for the following districts:
These areas and nearby regions are likely to receive continuous spells of intense rainfall that may disrupt normal life and pose risks of natural calamities.
Possible Impacts
The weather department has cautioned that the heavy rainfall could lead to:
– Flash floods in rivers and streams
– Landslides in hilly and mountainous areas
– Waterlogging in low-lying plains and urban settlements
– Traffic disruptions on state and national highways
– Damage to kutcha houses, electric poles, and weak infrastructure
Local residents, particularly in rural and hilly areas, have been advised to stay indoors as far as possible and avoid unnecessary travel during the alert period.
Administrative Preparations
The state disaster management department has instructed District Magistrates to remain on alert and ensure advance preparations in vulnerable areas. Relief teams, SDRF, and police forces have been put on standby. Power, drinking water, and road maintenance departments have been asked to respond quickly to any disruptions.
Helpline numbers at district headquarters have been activated to assist citizens, and local control rooms are monitoring rainfall and river levels around the clock.
Advisory to Citizens
Authorities have advised the public to:
– Avoid visiting riverbanks or high-altitude trekking routes during heavy rains.
– Keep essential medicines, drinking water, and food stocked.
Follow instructions issued by local administration and disaster management teams.
– Download and use the Sachet App for timely weather alerts.
