Dehradun: In the past two days, heavy rains and snowfall from the mountains to the plains have caused severe cold and numerous problems across the state, particularly affecting those living in hilly areas.The heavy snowfall has isolated over 100 villages, cutting off road access and leaving residents confined to their homes.
This significant weather disruption has impacted daily life and presented challenges for many people in Uttarakhand. Moreover, Chamoli district in Uttarakhand has experienced heavy snowfall in the last few days. DGRC has issued a warning for an avalanche in Chamoli district, in view of poor weather conditions.
A warning for avalanche in Chamoli
An orange alert for an avalanche has been issued by the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), a DRDO laboratory, for Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district at altitudes over 3,000 meters for the next 24 hours, from 5 pm Sunday to 5 pm Monday. Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority Joint Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Obaidullah Ansari informed the Chamoli district magistrate, emphasizing that all concerned officials should remain on alert. The areas above 2,500 meters in Chamoli have experienced heavy snowfall in recent days, while lower regions have seen light to moderate showers.
Schools have been closed till 4 January
Local reports indicate that most areas have been under heavy cloud cover, with some regions experiencing rainfall and others snowfall. Heavy snowfall has been reported in high-altitude locations like Chamoli, Badrinath shrine, Hemkund Sahib, Auli, and Gorson. Lower regions of Kumaon have seen several rounds of rain, and snow accumulation in the village of Gunji has reached four to five feet. There have been instances of hail and brief snowfall in higher regions, compelling residents to stay indoors as temperatures continue to drop. The district administration in mountainous regions, including the state capital, has declared school closures until January 4.
Major routes have been blocked
The state is grappling with a severe cold wave due to heavy snowfall, leading to the closure of key routes, including the Badrinath highway and the road connecting Kumaon to the China border. Authorities are assessing and managing the impact on transportation and daily life. Since Friday morning, following a new western disturbance, the state has experienced significant weather changes. Lower areas are seeing continuous light to moderate rainfall, causing a notable drop in temperatures.
Due to heavy snowfall, over 100 villages have been cut off
Chamoli District Disaster Management Officer Nand Kishore Joshi mentioned that around 100 villages from Chamoli to Pithoragarh are covered in snow, leading to closed access roads. The Badrinath Highway near Hanuman Chatti, Joshimath-Malari Highway near Bhapakund, and Ukhimath-Chopta Highway are currently closed.
Dry weather forecasted from today
There may be some relief on Monday, with sunshine expected in most areas, though partly cloudy conditions might persist in certain mountainous regions. Dr. Bikram Singh, Director of the Meteorological Center, stated that most areas are likely to remain dry on Monday, with partial cloud cover and light rain or snowfall possible in Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh. Simultaneously, a dense fog has been forecasted in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts for the coming week.
