Dehradun: The hill districts in Uttarakhand are on high alert due to continuous heavy rain and snowfall. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for potential avalanches.
The warning specifically applies to five districts: Bageshwar, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi. An advisory has been issued to the District Magistrates (DMs) of the respective districts.
A massive avalanche occurred at Mana today in the morning
In Chamoli’s Mana area, a massive avalanche occurred this morning, trapping 41 workers engaged in road construction. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has deployed a high-altitude rescue team from Joshimath to assist in the rescue operation. Following this avalanche in Mana, ITBP, SDRF, Army and other agencies have been engaged for the rescue operation. CM Dhami has been monitoring the ongoing rescue operation.
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An orange alert for heavy rain and snowfall
The IMD has alerted residents about the possibility of very heavy rain and snowfall over the next three to four hours in these districts. The warning comes after continuous rain in Uttarakhand over the last 48 hours, which has caused a significant drop in temperature. The IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy rain and snowfall in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag districts. In view of the possibility of avalanche in higher hills, a warning has been issued to all the DMs and asked them to remain on alert mode.
Emergency measures
The state emergency operation center has directed the DMs of the hill districts, including Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, Dehradun, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar, to take precautionary measures. All district administrations have been asked to keep a vigilant eye on the situation and respond quickly to any emergencies.
Officials engaged in disaster management have been put on high alert
Officials engaged in disaster management, nominated under the Incident Response System (IRS), and departmental nodal officers have been put on high alert. The IMD has requested people to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been deployed to clear snow from key routes to ensure that essential services remain operational.
Advisory for tourists and residents
Authorities have issued an advisory for residents to be cautious and stay indoors during the adverse weather conditions. The IMD has forecasted disruptions in daily life, including potential road blockages and difficulties in transportation. This alert is part of ongoing efforts to minimize risks and ensure the safety of residents. Travelers and local residents in high-altitude areas, especially those over 3,200 meters, are advised to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents and injuries.
