Orange Alert Issued for Several Districts of Uttarakhand on July 28–29; IMD Warns of Heavy Rain and Flash Flood Risk

Residents and Char Dham Pilgrims Urged to Avoid Unnecessary Travel; Administration on High Alert

Dehradun, July 27: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, has issued an Orange Alert for several districts of Uttarakhand for July 28 and 29, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state. The latest weather bulletin also warns of thunderstorms, lightning, and spells of extremely intense rainfall in many areas.

In view of the forecast, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has directed all district administrations to remain on high alert, strengthen preparedness measures, closely monitor vulnerable locations, and ensure the availability of emergency response resources.

Heavy Rainfall Forecast for July 28

According to the IMD, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Udham Singh Nagar, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Nainital districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on July 28.

These districts may also witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and isolated spells of extremely intense rainfall. Other parts of the state are also expected to receive intermittent heavy showers and intense rain spells.

Orange Alert Continues on July 29

The adverse weather is expected to persist on July 29, with the IMD issuing an Orange Alert for Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Nainital districts.

Additionally, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Nainital are likely to experience thunderstorms, lightning, and very intense rainfall. Other districts may also receive heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms at isolated places.

Flash Flood Risk in Multiple Districts

The IMD’s National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin has also highlighted a moderate flash flood risk over the next 24 hours in selected catchment areas of Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi districts.

Continuous rainfall may lead to a rapid rise in water levels of small rivers and seasonal streams, waterlogging in low-lying areas, landslides in hilly terrain, falling rocks, and disruption of road connectivity.

Advisory for Residents and Char Dham Pilgrims

Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, appealed to residents and Char Dham pilgrims to take the IMD warnings seriously and avoid unnecessary travel during the alert period.

He advised that anyone undertaking essential travel should first check the latest weather forecast and road conditions before starting their journey.

The public has also been advised to:

• Avoid visiting riverbanks, streams, waterfalls, and other water bodies during heavy rainfall.
• Stay away from landslide-prone slopes and vulnerable hill sections.
• Never attempt to cross overflowing rivers or flooded roads.
• Strictly follow advisories issued by the district administration and the IMD.
• Rely only on official weather updates and avoid spreading or believing rumours.

Administration Fully Prepared for Emergency Response

Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman stated that Orange Alert conditions could lead to heavy to very heavy rainfall, cloudburst-like intense rain spells, landslides, rockfalls, road blockages, overflowing rivers and streams, waterlogging, and lightning incidents.

He informed that the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and all District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) are functioning 24×7. All concerned departments have been instructed to remain on alert, ensure the availability of rescue teams, equipment, and emergency resources, and respond swiftly to any emergency situation.

The state government has urged citizens to remain vigilant, prioritise safety, and cooperate with local authorities until the weather conditions improve.