Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 27 Jul: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across Uttarakhand over the next several days, with heavy to very heavy rain likely to batter several districts from tomorrow onwards. The weather office has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, intense to extremely intense spells of rain, landslides, rockfalls and a heightened risk of flash floods in vulnerable areas.
According to the seven-day district-level forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely at most places across the state from 28 to 30 July. Rain activity is expected to continue on 31 July and 1 August, when light to moderate rain is likely at many places across Uttarakhand.
For tomorrow, the IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Udham Singh Nagar, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Nainital districts. These districts are also likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and very intense to extremely intense spells of rain. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in the remaining districts as well.
On 29 July, heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Nainital districts, while thunderstorms with lightning and very intense rainfall spells have also been forecast for Pithoragarh. The remaining districts are expected to receive heavy rain at isolated places.
The intensity of rainfall is expected to reduce slightly on 30 July, although heavy rain is still likely at isolated places in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Pauri, Bageshwar and Nainital districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and intense rainfall spells are likely across the hill districts, while Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar may also witness thunderstorms and lightning. A similar weather pattern is expected on 31 July, with heavy rainfall likely in Pauri, Dehradun, Bageshwar and Nainital districts.
The IMD has further cautioned that the prolonged spell of heavy rain may trigger minor to moderate landslides and rockfalls in vulnerable areas, leading to the blockage of highways and link roads in the hill districts. Overflowing streams and rivulets, waterlogging in low-lying areas and a moderate rise in the water levels of major rivers and their tributaries are also expected during the period. Continuous rainfall may increase discharge from dams and barrages, while intense rainfall over snow-fed catchments could trigger sudden surges in streams and flash floods.
The weather centre has also warned that vulnerable structures, including kutcha houses, roads, retaining walls, bridges, tunnels and under-construction buildings, may suffer damage at isolated places. Rail services, community utilities such as electricity and water supply, transport and essential supplies may also be disrupted in some areas. District headquarters, government institutions, schools, hospitals, pilgrimage centres and tourist destinations may be affected if heavy rainfall persists.
The IMD has advised the residents of landslide-prone and flood-prone areas to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel. Pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra and the tourists visiting the hill districts have been advised to travel only if necessary and to remain vigilant while passing through vulnerable stretches. People living near rivers, streams and low-lying areas have also been asked to exercise caution. The department has urged the authorities managing dams, barrages and hydroelectric projects to take all necessary precautionary measures, while mountaineering expeditions may have to be suspended depending on local weather conditions.
