By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 27 May: Several districts, particularly the plains in Uttarakhand have been reeling under intense heat over the past several days, with rising temperatures affecting both plains and hill districts. However, relief from the scorching conditions is expected from 28 May onwards as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and gusty winds across the state over the next few days.
According to the forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, today, an ‘Orange Alert’ has been sounded for tomorrow in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts, where heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places. The department has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hailstorms and strong gusty winds blowing at speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, which may intensify up to 60 kmph in some areas. In addition, a ‘Yellow Alert’ has also been issued for the remaining districts of the state in view of the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
The weather department has further forecast heavy rainfall on 29 May in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts, while thunderstorms, hailstorms, lightning and strong winds are likely in Bageshwar and Pithoragarh as well. An Orange Alert has again been issued for these districts. For 30 and 31 May, the IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for most districts, particularly in the hill regions, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
In view of the forecast, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) has also issued detailed guidelines to the district administrations and directed all the departments concerned to remain on high alert. The authorities have been instructed to ensure preparedness at every level, maintain constant communication and take immediate action in the event of any disaster or accident. Disaster management officials, nodal officers and emergency response teams have been directed to remain alert, while agencies including NH, PWD, PMGSY, BRO, CPWD and other road maintenance bodies have been asked to ensure prompt reopening of blocked motor routes.
The administration has also directed all the revenue officials, Gram Vikas Adhikaris and Gram Panchayat officials to remain stationed in their respective areas. Police stations and outposts have been asked to keep disaster response equipment and wireless systems ready, while officials and employees have been instructed not to switch off their mobile phones during the alert period. Directions have also been issued to keep essential items such as raincoats, torches, helmets and emergency equipment ready in the vehicles.
Special instructions have been issued to restrict trekking activities in mountainous districts during rainfall and not to permit tourist movement towards high Himalayan regions during adverse weather conditions. District authorities have also been directed to make arrangements for food and medical aid in case people get stranded and to ensure safety measures in schools keeping students’ security in mind. Urban local bodies have been instructed to clear drains and culverts to avoid waterlogging and flooding.
Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman appealed to people to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather and remain at safe places. He also advised residents to stay away from trees, electric poles and weak structures during thunderstorms and strong winds and to follow weather advisories and directions issued by the administration.
