Dehradun: As Indian meteorological department has forecasted the heavy to very rains for two days on 12 and 13 September, Uttarakhand’s seven districts, on Friday, will remain on red alert for rains and thunderstorms accompanied with lightning. An orange alert has been sounded for the remaining six districts.
Uttarakhand has witnessed intense spells of rain in various parts of the state on Thursday along with capital Dehradun where schools were closed in view of heavy downpour. On Thursday, heavy rains lashed the whole state and many roads and highways were blocked due to landslides and rockfalls at several places. An enhanced rain activity can be seen on 13 September as well.
Haridwar, Dehradun and Nainital are on red alert again
Uttarakhand’s capital Dehradun along with many other districts is again on a red alert for rains. All the schools have been closed on the instructions of administration. Pauri, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar are likely to see heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places.
Orange alert for Uttarkashi and Tehri districts
Uttarakhand has issued an orange alert for several districts due to expected rains and thunderstorms. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in isolated areas of Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Almora, and Tehri. Additionally, these districts may experience thunderstorms with lightning and intense rain spells.
People are advised to stay vigilant
For safety measures, the Meteorological Department has instructed that people living in sensitive areas should remain vigilant during the day as well as at night. Apart from this, they should avoid traveling in mountainous areas if it is not necessary. According to Meteorologist Rohit Thapliyal, “There is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rains in the hilly districts of the state as well as in the plains for two days. Expectedly, scanty rains can be experienced on Saturday onwards.”
Schools will remain closed today in all the districts
Based on the forecast from the Meteorological Department, all schools in Uttarakhand will remain closed on Friday, September 13, due to the warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. District administrations have ordered the closure of all schools up to class 12 to ensure the safety of children.
173 routes are closed in the state
As the whole of Uttarakhand is witnessing an incessant downpour, a number of roads and highways remained blocked on Thursday. According to the disaster control room data, 173 routes are closed in Uttarakhand due to rain and landslides. This includes national highways, state highways, border roads and rural motor roads. Additionally, 50 bridges have been damaged so far due to floods and rain. 15 bridges are completely damaged, 35 bridges are partially damaged, as per the source in the public works department.