Dehradun: Indian meteorological department (IMD) has issued a travel advisory for the tourists amid a red alert for rains and landslides across the state. In its bulletin, IMD has advised tourists to avoid travelling in fragile hilly terrain and steep slopes, as heavy rains battered the entire state in the past two days.
Forecasting an intense shower in most parts of the state, IMD issued a red alert for Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar for Friday.
Potential risk of cloudbursts and flash floods in Uttarakhand
The IMD has also alerted the people in Uttarakhand to stay vigilant and avoid going outdoors, as there is a potential risk of cloudbursts and flash floods in Uttarakhand. Amid a red alert for seven districts, IMD also warned people for minor to medium landslides, rockfalls, and mudslides caused by incessant rains for the last two days. Heavy spells of rains may block roads and highways, bridge washouts, and disruptions in electricity and water supplies. Apart from this, transportation and supply chains could also be affected for several days, particularly in hilly regions.
Low-lying areas are more at risk of flash floods
Due to intense rains, damage to life and property is possible as structures like Kutcha houses/roads/walls, huts and under-construction buildings, bridges, tunnels may get affected, particularly in vulnerable areas. Since all the rivers in the state are in spate, it may cause flash floods, bank erosion, and overflow in certain areas damaging dams and barrages. Apart from this, Low-lying areas, mountains, and steep hills are at risk of flash floods and soil erosion.
Difficult drive conditions due to slippery roads
Moreover, driving conditions are difficult due to slippery roads and low visibility caused by fog and low clouds, leading to significantly increased travel times. Besides, moderate to extensive damage is expected to horticulture crops, plantations, and Kharif crops such as rice, maize, millet, beans, and grams. Along with this, flight operations to and from airports will be disrupted. Helicopter operations to and from various helipads in the district are also likely to be affected. Railway operations may face disruptions.
People are advised to move safer places
In IMD advisory, people living in landslide-prone areas are advised to relocate to safer locations. Pilgrims and tourists traveling to Char Dham or other pilgrimage sites should stay alert and avoid traveling. Additionally, residents near major rivers, their tributaries, streams, and low-lying flood-prone areas should remain vigilant and be prepared to move to safer places. Furthermore, IMD suggested halting mountaineering expeditions, and members should move to safe locations. Along with this, district authorities are advised to close schools during this period.
Pilgrims should remain alert and stay indoors
IMD also suggested commuters and travellers to remain alert and avoid traveling. Furthermore, people are advised to stay indoors during heavy rains or flash floods and avoid crossing active landslide areas. Besides, they are told to monitor media reports for updates and listen to weather forecasts on local media. Keep an eye on social media for information. Visiting fragile hilly terrain and steep slopes should be avoided and refrain from walking through flooded areas.