Uttarakhand on High Alert as IMD Warns of Heavy to Extremely Heavy Rainfall; SEOC Issues Advisory to All Districts
Dehradun, July 18, 2026: Following the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and intense rain activity across Uttarakhand, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) has directed all District Magistrates to remain on high alert and ensure comprehensive disaster preparedness from July 18 to July 22.
The advisory instructs district administrations to continuously monitor landslide-prone and vulnerable areas, keep District Emergency Operations Centres functional round-the-clock, deploy rescue teams, and ensure the availability of heavy machinery for immediate road clearance and emergency response.
Red Alert on July 19
The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
An Orange Alert has been issued for Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, and Bageshwar, while Yellow Alert remains in effect for Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Almora, and Pithoragarh.
Red Alert on July 20
On July 20, Dehradun, Haridwar, and Tehri are expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated spells of extremely heavy rain under a Red Alert.
An Orange Alert has also been issued for Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, Tehri, Uttarkashi, and Pauri districts.
Forecast for July 21–22
On July 21, Orange Alert will remain in force for Dehradun and Bageshwar, while Yellow Alert has been issued for Tehri, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Nainital, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh.
On July 22, Yellow Alert has been issued for Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh. Thunderstorms, lightning, and intense rainfall are also likely across most parts of the state during this period.
Public Advisory
Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, urged residents, Char Dham pilgrims, and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, stay updated with official weather bulletins, and check road conditions before commencing journeys.
People have also been advised to stay away from rivers, streams, waterlogged areas, and landslide-prone locations during heavy rainfall. In case of emergencies, citizens should immediately contact the local administration or disaster control rooms through emergency helpline numbers 112, 1070, and 1077.
