DGRE issues avalanche warning in Uttarakhand. Chamoli under Category-3 Orange Alert, other high-altitude districts on Yellow Alert till Jan 25.
Dehradun.
According to the Avalanche Warning Bulletin (AWB) issued by the Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment (DGRE), Chandigarh on January 24, 2026, heightened caution has been advised in the high Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand due to the possibility of avalanches. The warning will remain effective from 5:00 PM on January 24, 2026 to 5:00 PM on January 25, 2026.
As per the DGRE bulletin, avalanche danger in Uttarkashi district has been classified as Level-2 (Yellow) for areas located above 2,800 meters. Meanwhile, Chamoli district has been placed under a Level-3 (Orange) alert for regions above 3,000 meters, indicating a relatively higher risk. In addition, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts have also been marked under Level-2 (Yellow) avalanche danger for areas above 2,800 meters.
DGRE has stated that snow conditions in these regions are partially unstable, and the possibility of natural avalanches at isolated locations cannot be ruled out. Medium-sized avalanches are particularly likely in the higher reaches of Chamoli district.
State Disaster Management Department on Alert
In view of the avalanche warning, the State Disaster Management Department has placed all concerned districts on alert. District administrations have been instructed to regulate unnecessary movement in high-altitude vulnerable areas, sensitize tourists and local residents, and keep relief and rescue teams fully prepared to respond to any emergency situation.
Appeal by Disaster Management Secretary
Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, has appealed to travelers, trekkers, shepherds and residents of mountainous areas to avoid visiting avalanche-prone zones, strictly follow advisories issued by the administration, and exercise extra caution in view of prevailing weather conditions. Citizens have been advised to immediately contact the district administration or the State Emergency Operations Centre in case of any emergency.
The state government is maintaining continuous surveillance over the situation, and further action will be taken as required based on inputs received from DGRE and the Meteorological Department.
Review of Rainfall, Snowfall and Fog Situation; Officials Directed to Remain on 24×7 Alert
Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman on Saturday reviewed the situation arising due to rainfall, snowfall and fog across various districts of the state from the State Emergency Operations Centre. He directed officials to prioritize public convenience, restore essential services at the earliest, and remain on 24×7 alert mode.
The Secretary informed that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is closely monitoring the situation and taking regular updates. The Chief Minister has instructed that public welfare and restoration of services be accorded top priority.
Following the Chief Minister’s directions, the Secretary reviewed the status of closed roads, electricity and drinking water supply, and incidents involving stranded vehicles or individuals at various locations.
He directed that snow-affected roads be reopened on a priority basis and that road-clearing machinery and resources remain fully operational. He also instructed concerned departments to ensure continuous field deployment of teams for the restoration of power and drinking water supply so that the general public does not face inconvenience.
The Secretary emphasized that if any information is received regarding stranded vehicles or persons, district administrations must immediately initiate relief and rescue operations. Special vigilance has been advised in remote and sensitive areas. He also stressed ensuring the safety and necessary care of senior citizens, children and other vulnerable groups in view of cold wave and snowfall conditions.
Suman further directed that all districts keep emergency resources, manpower and equipment in complete readiness and continuously update the State Emergency Operations Centre. He clarified that the state government is fully prepared to deal with any emergency situation and that the disaster management system remains fully active.
The review meeting was attended by Secretary Anand Swaroop, Joint Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Obaidullah Ansari, along with experts from the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority.
