Uttarakhand Braces for Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall Over Next Two Days; Orange and Yellow Alerts Issued
Disaster Management Department directs all districts to remain on 24×7 alert; Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman urges residents and tourists to exercise caution
Dehradun, August 8, 2026: Uttarakhand is likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days amid increased monsoon activity across the state. According to the weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Dehradun, several districts may experience intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and, at isolated places, extremely heavy rain on August 9 and 10.
In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the IMD has issued Orange and Yellow Alerts for several districts. The Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department has directed all concerned districts and departments to remain fully prepared and operate in 24×7 alert mode to deal with any weather-related emergency.
Orange Alert for Three Districts on August 9
The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Chamoli for August 9, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in these districts.
Other hilly districts of the state are also likely to experience heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places.
A Yellow Alert has been issued for Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Nainital and Champawat for the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar have also been placed under a Yellow Alert due to the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning.
Orange Alert in Four Districts on August 10
On August 10, Dehradun, Bageshwar, Nainital and Champawat are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms and extremely intense rainfall at isolated locations.
Other parts of Uttarakhand may also witness heavy showers, thunderstorms and lightning.
A Yellow Alert has been issued for Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Tehri, Pauri, Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar due to the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places.
All Districts Asked to Remain on 24×7 Alert
In view of the weather forecast, Secretary Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman has directed all concerned districts and departments to take necessary precautions and remain on 24×7 alert.
Officials have been instructed to ensure the availability of all essential resources, equipment and machinery so that emergency response can be initiated without delay. Departments have also been directed to keep adequate arrangements in place in vulnerable areas.
Authorities have been asked to take immediate action to reopen roads in case of blockages caused by heavy rainfall, landslides or other weather-related incidents, ensuring that disruption to public movement is minimized.
Officials Told Not to Switch Off Mobile Phones
The Disaster Management Department has directed officers and field personnel to maintain constant communication during the period of adverse weather. Officials and employees have been instructed not to switch off their mobile phones, carry necessary safety equipment and immediately report any disaster or emergency situation to the concerned authorities and the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC).
All concerned departments have also been directed to maintain close coordination and ensure a prompt response to any emergency.
Public and Tourists Advised to Stay Away from Rivers and Streams
Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman has appealed to residents and tourists to take the weather warnings seriously and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
People have been advised to stay away from rivers, streams, seasonal drains and other water channels during heavy rainfall. They should avoid entering waterlogged areas and should not attempt to cross weak or damaged bridges.
Tourists and residents travelling through hilly areas have been urged to exercise extra caution on routes vulnerable to landslides and falling rocks. The public has also been advised to postpone non-essential travel whenever weather conditions deteriorate.
Authorities Prepared for Possible Rain-Related Emergencies
The Disaster Management Department has directed all districts to make necessary arrangements based on the latest weather warnings. Authorities have been asked to closely monitor vulnerable areas and keep relief and rescue resources ready for immediate deployment.
The administration is particularly focused on minimizing the impact of possible landslides, waterlogging, road blockages, lightning incidents and other rain-related emergencies, while ensuring timely assistance to people in affected areas.
