By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 17 Jul: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Uttarakhand from 18 till 21 July, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state, with the possibility of landslides, rockfalls, flash flooding in rivulets and streams, and disruption of road, rail and communication services in vulnerable areas.
According to the latest district-level weather forecast and impact-based advisory issued by the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun at 1.30 p.m. this afternoon, widespread light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely across the state over the next seven days, while the period from 18 to 21 July is expected to witness the most intense phase of the current monsoon spell.
The IMD has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by very intense to extremely intense spells is likely to affect several parts of Uttarakhand during these four days. The department has cautioned that minor to moderate landslides and rockfalls may occur at isolated vulnerable locations, highways and link roads in hilly areas could be blocked or washed away, rivulets and seasonal streams may overflow, and low-lying areas may face inundation. It has also warned of possible damage to electricity and telecommunication lines, disruption of railway operations and adverse impacts on district headquarters, government and private institutions, schools, hospitals, pilgrimage centres and tourist destinations due to persistent heavy rain.
The forecast indicates that widespread heavy rainfall will continue from 18 July onwards. During this period, Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Haridwar, Nainital, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, Bageshwar and several other districts are expected to witness intense rainfall at isolated places. The IMD has advised that rainfall intensity may increase further in some areas, resulting in localised flooding, slope failures and traffic disruptions.
On 20 July, heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places in Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal and Nainital districts, while Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Tehri Garhwal, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh are likely to receive heavy rainfall. On 21 July, Bageshwar is expected to remain under the highest rainfall threat with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain, while heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places in Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Nainital and Pithoragarh.
The IMD has further forecast that light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely at most places across Uttarakhand on 22 and 23 July, indicating that monsoon activity is likely to continue even after the present spell of intense rainfall weakens.
The department has also issued a separate warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning across the state from 17 to 21 July. People have been advised to remain indoors during thunderstorms, keep doors and windows closed and avoid taking shelter under isolated trees or near electric poles during lightning activity.
In its impact-based advisory, the IMD has urged people living in landslide-prone and other vulnerable areas to remain on alert. Travellers and commuters have been advised to exercise extreme caution while driving, particularly on hill roads, and to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall. Residents living near rivers, rivulets and seasonal streams have been asked to remain vigilant because of the possibility of sudden rises in water levels.
The pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra and tourists visiting other hill destinations have also been advised to monitor weather updates closely, travel only if necessary and remain alert while passing through steep hill stretches where landslides and rockfalls are likely. The Meteorological Centre has advised the State Government and district authorities to take all necessary precautionary measures to minimise risks arising from the expected severe weather conditions.
The department has advised citizens to remain updated with official weather bulletins and follow instructions issued by local authorities as the state braces for another spell of intense monsoon activity.
