Dehradun: For Wednesday, the regional IMD has issued a yellow alert for heavy rains in all the districts in Uttarakhand including capital Dehradun. Light to moderate rain is possible in some parts of Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar districts. In the rest of the districts, light to moderate rains may occur in most of the areas, as per the weather forecast issued for the coming four days.
There is a 43% chance of precipitation
On August 14, Wednesday, Uttarakhand is expected to experience mostly cloudy weather with temperatures ranging from a low of 67°F to a high of 78°F. There is a 43% chance of precipitation, and the region might experience very heavy rain and thunderstorms, especially in areas in higher hills of Garhwal and Kumaon.
Impacts of intense rainfall
Due to the yellow alert for heavy rains and thunderstorms, there is a significant risk of flooding in low-lying areas of Uttarakhand. Flash floods are particularly likely in these regions and near rivers. Additionally, the heavy rainfall may trigger landslides, rockfalls, and mudslides in certain areas. Roads, highways, and bridges could be blocked or washed out as a result of these natural events.
Pilgrims and tourists are advised to stay safe
The intense rainfall might also 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 stay alert and travel only if necessary. A lake was formed on 11 August after a massive landslide in Bheembali area in Kedarnath trek route, after which, NDRF and SDRF teams have been deployed at that place to ensure the safety of people living along the bank of Mandakini River.
Road blockages and decline in pilgrim influx due to heavy rainfall
Frequent rain-induced landslides have blocked a total of 162 roads, including PWD roads, National highways, and PMGSY roads. Pilgrim footfall has declined due to landslides and heavy rains as Badrinath received 1209 pilgrims, 115 pilgrims visited Kedarnath shrine and Gangotri received 372 pilgrims and Yamunotri had 320 pilgrims on August 13.
