Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 13 Aug: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand over the next few days. The IMD has warned of intense spells of rain, thunderstorms and lightning at several places across the state. In view of the latest weather forecast and warnings issued by the Meteorological Centre in Dehradun, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) has directed all the districts to remain on high alert and ensure necessary preparedness, particularly in areas and regions vulnerable to disasters and landslides.
According to the latest IMD warning issued today, heavy rainfall is expected to continue over Uttarakhand, with very heavy rainfall forecast on 14, 16 and 17 August and heavy rainfall on 15 and 18 August. The weather office has also warned of thunderstorms and lightning during this period.
The SEOC has issued instructions to all the districts in view of the forecast and asked the authorities concerned to remain alert in areas likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, lightning and intense to extremely intense spells of rain. The officials have also been directed to ensure prompt response in case of any emergency and to keep relief and rescue arrangements in total readiness.
Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman today directed all the District Magistrates and departments concerned to remain in alert mode in accordance with the weather warning. He asked the authorities to maintain special surveillance in vulnerable areas and ensure in advance all the necessary arrangements for the relief and rescue operations in case of any disaster. He also directed the officials to maintain continuous monitoring of the situation and work in close coordination with one another to ensure effective response.
As per the district-wise forecast and warnings issued by the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, an orange alert will remain in force tomorrow in Dehradun, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and Nainital districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in these districts, accompanied by the thunderstorms and lightning, with the possibility of very intense to extremely intense spells of rain. Besides the above mentioned districts, Chamoli, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Champawat, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar are also likely to receive heavy rainfall at isolated places, while the remaining districts are likely to experience intense to very intense spells of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning, for which a yellow alert has been issued.
The latest IMD warning at the state level also confirms very heavy rainfall over Uttarakhand tomorrow, followed by heavy rainfall on 15 August and very heavy rainfall again on 16 and 17 August. The weather system is therefore expected to remain active over the state through the Independence Day weekend.
For Independence Day, a yellow alert will remain in force across Uttarakhand. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Nainital, Champawat and Bageshwar districts on this day. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and intense to very intense spells of rain are likely in the hill districts, while Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar may also experience thunderstorms and lightning.
On 16 August, an orange alert has been issued for Champawat, Bageshwar and Nainital districts, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places along with thunderstorms, lightning and very intense to extremely intense spells of rain. A yellow alert has been issued for Dehradun, Tehri, Haridwar, Chamoli, Udham Singh Nagar, Almora and Pithoragarh in view of the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places. Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Udham Singh Nagar, Almora and Pithoragarh are also likely to experience intense to very intense spells of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning.
On 17 August, Dehradun and Tehri districts will again come under an orange alert, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely at isolated places in these two districts. Thunderstorms and lightning and very intense to extremely intense spells of rain are also likely in the two districts. The remaining districts of the state will however remain under a yellow alert in view of the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places and intense to very intense spells of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning.
The IMD’s latest warning makes it clear that the spell is not likely to be confined to a single day. The weather office has forecast widespread rainfall activity over Uttarakhand during the coming days, with the possibility of isolated heavy to very heavy falls.
In respect of Dehradun specifically, the IMD’s current forecast indicates generally cloudy conditions with spells of rain or thundershowers. The latest available city forecast gives a maximum temperature of around 32 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature of around 22 degrees Celsius for tomorrow, with generally cloudy skies and a few spells of intense rain or thundershowers. For 15 August, the forecast indicates a maximum temperature of around 31 degrees Celsius and minimum of around 22 degrees Celsius, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The residents in low-lying areas and those living close to streams, rivulets and other water channels have consequently been advised to remain particularly cautious.
Suman has also appealed to the public to take the weather warning seriously and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of adverse weather. He advised people to obtain information about the prevailing weather conditions before undertaking journeys and to remain updated about further warnings issued by the Meteorological Department.
He urged people to avoid vulnerable hill areas where there is a possibility of landslides and falling boulders, as well as the areas around rivers, streams and other water channels. He noted that in the event of heavy rainfall or flash flooding, people should remain at safe locations and should not attempt to cross active landslide zones or flooded roads and water channels.
Suman further advised people not to stand in open areas or under trees during thunderstorms and lightning and to take shelter inside safe, permanent buildings. People have also been advised against swimming or boating in swollen rivers, streams and drains during heavy rainfall.
The Disaster Management Secretary added that adverse weather conditions may lead to landslides, road blockages, waterlogging and sudden rises in the water levels of rivers, streams and drains. He therefore urged citizens to exercise caution and remain alert, particularly during intense spells of rainfall.
