Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 22 Aug: Dehradun based State Weather Centre of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall and possibility of lightning strikes in some districts of the state over next 48 hours. It may be recalled that persistent rainfall that has gripped Uttarakhand throughout August shows no signs of abating, with the final week of the month forecast to be equally challenging. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several regions of the state, coupled this time with the added threat of lightning. The citizens have been advised to remain alert and exercise caution.
The state has already endured widespread rainfall this month, with the hill districts bearing the brunt of the downpour. The forecast for the coming week indicates heavy rainfall and likelihood of lightning strikes in some districts, particularly in the hills where the likelihood of very heavy rainfall remains high.
According to CS Tomar, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Dehradun, rainfall is expected to continue across most parts of the state in the coming week. Several regions are likely to experience heavy to very heavy showers, prompting the issuance of yellow to orange alerts for most districts. For the next 24 hours, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Champawat have been identified as the most vulnerable to intense rainfall. Additionally, districts such as Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Nainital are expected to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning.
It may be recalled that landslides have been reported from various locations across the state with district Uttarkashi, district Chamoli and district Rudraprayag witnessing severe landslides. River levels are rising steadily, and in Uttarkashi district, the formation of a lake near the Yamunotri National Highway has led to the submergence of several houses. Tourists have been urged to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to the advisories issued by the administration. The heaviest rainfall has been recorded in Bageshwar and Chamoli districts, while Dehradun, Tehri, and Haridwar are also experiencing precipitation levels well above the seasonal norm.
