Uttarakhand on alert as IMD flags red, orange rain warnings for Sept 26-27
IMD has issued red and orange rain alerts across several Uttarakhand districts for September 26 and 27, prompting CM Dhami to order heightened vigilance.
Uttarakhand is bracing for intense rainfall over the weekend after the India Meteorological Department issued red and orange alerts for several districts on September 26 and 27. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed officials on Friday to remain on high alert and keep monitoring vulnerable locations across the state.
For Saturday, a red alert has been issued for five districts — Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar. An orange alert covers Dehradun, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Almora, while a yellow alert is in place for Haridwar, Uttarkashi and Tehri.
The pattern shifts on Sunday, when the red alert moves to Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri and Haridwar. Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Nainital and Rudraprayag are under an orange alert, and Bageshwar, Almora, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar and Pithoragarh are on yellow alert.
The weather office has forecast heavy to very heavy rain in many places, with extremely heavy spells in some areas. The mountainous districts face the risk of landslides and road blockages, while rivers and streams are expected to swell. Waterlogging is likely in the plains.
Dhami appealed to residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution, advising them to travel only when essential and after checking the latest weather and road conditions. He asked people to follow the guidelines issued by the local administration and to stay away from rivers, streams, seasonal watercourses and waterlogged areas during heavy rain, warning against entering fast-flowing water.
The Chief Minister also urged extra care on vulnerable roads and in landslide-prone stretches of the hills, and asked parents not to let children go near rivers, streams or other hazardous spots.
Officials and concerned departments have been told to continuously monitor sensitive areas, including river and stream water levels, landslide-prone zones, mountain routes, the Char Dham Yatra corridors and major tourist destinations.
Dhami stressed that all preparations must be in place so that relief and rescue operations can begin immediately if a disaster occurs. Relief and rescue teams, along with essential equipment, JCBs and other machinery, have been directed to remain ready at strategic locations.