Uttarakhand on red alert as CM urges round-the-clock monitoring by officials

Dehradun: Uttarakhand is on high alert as the weather department has predicted extremely heavy rainfall in several areas over the next two days. The Meteorological Centre has issued red and orange alerts for many districts, warning people to remain cautious. Following this, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami instructed officials to stay alert and monitor the situation round the clock.

For Monday, a red alert has been declared in Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, and Haridwar. The forecast predicts extremely heavy rain at some places and heavy to very heavy rain at others. On September 2, an orange alert has been issued for districts including Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Bageshwar, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas.

Schools in several districts, including Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, and Champawat, have been closed as a precaution. The CM held a meeting with senior officials to discuss the situation and stressed that the coming days could be challenging. He directed that all necessary measures be taken to ensure the safety of residents.

Dhami asked State Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman to continuously monitor the situation from the State Emergency Operations Centre. He highlighted the high risk of landslides and waterlogging in several areas and emphasized keeping a close watch on rivers and water levels, even during the night.

Relief efforts and casualties

The CM also reviewed ongoing relief and rescue operations in disaster-affected areas. He instructed the commissioners of the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions to work quickly for the rehabilitation of affected people. Continuous monitoring of rivers and water levels was emphasized to prevent further accidents and damage.

Despite precautions, heavy rains have already caused tragic incidents. On Sunday, two people, including a woman, died in Tehri district when stones hit their two-wheeler on the Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway near Narendranagar. The deceased were identified as Ankit Jain from Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajni Rawat from Kotdwar, Pauri district.

In Pithoragarh district’s Munsiyari area, the body of a person missing since Saturday evening was found near Leti Chalthi Barsaati Nala in Kotalgaon. The deceased has been identified as Ramesh Ram. Another body was recovered on Sunday from the debris of houses damaged by a landslide in Pausari village, Bageshwar district. Authorities confirmed that two people are still missing from this incident.

The state government has urged residents to avoid travel in flood-affected or landslide-prone areas. Roads in hilly regions have been severely affected, and authorities have warned of possible roadblocks due to waterlogging or landslides. Emergency teams, including the State Disaster Response Force, are on alert and working to assist affected families.

Officials are advising people living near rivers and streams to move to safer locations temporarily. Evacuation plans are in place, and shelters have been set up in several districts to accommodate those displaced by flooding. The government has also ensured that emergency supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, are available for residents in vulnerable areas.

CM Dhami stressed that all government departments should coordinate effectively to reduce the impact of the heavy rains. The focus remains on timely rescue operations, continuous monitoring of rivers and landslide-prone zones, and rapid rehabilitation of affected communities.

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The weather department has also warned that the heavy rainfall is likely to continue in the coming days. Residents are advised to stay indoors unless necessary and follow instructions from local authorities. People have been asked to avoid taking risks, such as crossing flooded rivers or traveling on landslide-prone roads.

Authorities are keeping a close watch on major rivers, including the Ganga and its tributaries, for any signs of rising water levels. Bridges and key transport routes are being monitored to prevent accidents. Emergency communication lines have been activated to ensure timely reporting of incidents and coordination of rescue operations.

In addition to monitoring rainfall, officials are also checking landslide-prone zones across the state. Many villages in the hills remain vulnerable due to past landslides and soil erosion, making vigilance essential. Temporary shelters and relief camps are prepared to provide safe accommodation and basic facilities to those affected.

Residents are being urged to stay informed through official channels for updates on weather, flood warnings, and safety instructions. The government continues to emphasize community awareness and preparedness to reduce casualties and damage during this period of heavy rainfall.