Dehradun: Following Wednesday, Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district has been placed under an orange alert again due to anticipated heavy rains and thunderstorms on Thursday. Additionally, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the lower Kumaon region and the Dehradun district.
Remaining districts are on yellow alert
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Dehradun, Bageshwar district is under an orange alert for Thursday, anticipating very heavy to intense rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning in various areas. The other districts in Uttarakhand are on yellow alert, indicating predictions of heavy to very heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated locations.
Thunderstorms and intense spells of rain in lower Kumaon region
According to Bikram Singh, Director, Indian Meteorological Department, Dehradun, there has been normal rain activity across the state over the past 24 hours and isolated parts of Uttarakhand experienced light to moderate rainfall. Moreover, heavy to very heavy rainfall are predicted in Dehradun as well as lower Kumaon region districts like Nainital, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar within the next 24 hours.
Impacts of intense rainfall in Uttarakhand
Under the current orange alert, specific areas in Bageshwar are expected to receive rainfall ranging from 15 to 30 mm. This could lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying regions and near rivers. Additionally, the heavy rain may trigger landslides, rockfalls, and mudslides in isolated locations. Roads, highways, and bridges might be blocked or washed out due to these natural events. Furthermore, the intense rainfall could increase water flow in rivulets and rainwater streams, potentially causing bank erosion. Pilgrims and tourists traveling to Char Dham or other locations are advised to remain alert and travel only if necessary.
Road blockages and decline in pilgrim influx due to heavy rainfall
Recent heavy rainfall in various parts of Uttarakhand has triggered landslides in the hills, resulting in the blockage of roads and highways. Resultantly, a total of 178 roads, including PWD roads, National highways, and PMGSY roads, are currently blocked due to landslides. Amid landslides and heavy rains, the pilgrim footfall has also come down in the state. Only 1599 pilgrims visited Badrinath, Gangotri received 1019 pilgrims and Yamunotri had 545 pilgrims on August 7.