July 7, 2024 7:34 PM.
In Uttarakhand, intermittent heavy rains continue in various parts of the state. Normal life from plain to mountain areas has been affected due to the rains in the state. Continuous rains in the mountainous region have increased the water level across rivers and streams, and a cautionary advisory to stay away from water bodies has been issued by the administration.
Meanwhile, the national highways and connecting roads are getting blocked at various points due to the landslide, while efforts are being made to open them without much delay. About 24 connecting roads are blocked in Chamoli district.
The IMD has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rain in some places in the Kumaon region of the state, including the Pauri, Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts of Garhwal, for the next 6 hours. According to the Meteorological Department, the rain will continue in some parts of the state in the coming days.
In view of the possibility of heavy rain, the department has advised tourists and pilgrims, including locals, to avoid unnecessary travel and be cautious.
The weather report also predicts heavy rains in the Dehradun, Tehri, Haridwar, and Uttarkashi districts on Sunday.
“Thunderstorms with lightning and intense to very intense spells are likely on July 8-9 in the hills and plains of the state,” stated the forecast.
“Heavy rains have also been predicted in the Tehri, Pauri, Bageshwar, Almora, Nainital, and Champawat districts for July 10,” according to the weather report.
Given the rainfall alert, the state government has appealed to all residents to stay in safe areas and remain cautious due to the potential disasters caused by heavy rains.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Saturday, directed the district magistrates of all concerned districts to remain on high alert regarding the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in nine districts on July 7.
Additionally, the CM has appealed to the public to be cautious and stay in safe places in view of potential disasters caused by heavy rains.
Dhani has directed Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman and other officers associated with the Disaster Management Department to keep a constant watch on all districts from the State Emergency Operations Centre of USDMA.
The CM has instructed all concerned district magistrates to be prompt at every level and take every possible precaution for the safety of lives and property.
He has also ensured the availability of all resources in view of the potential disaster and readiness to deal with every situation. Officers of various departments have been instructed to maintain mutual harmony and be prepared for any scenario.
In his message, CM Dhami urged the public not to pay attention to rumours and to follow the guidelines issued by the district administration. He further requested that people avoid dangerous places and travel only if necessary.
Preparations are complete at the level of the government and various departments, and the government is fully prepared to deal with the most challenging situations. He has especially appealed to children, women, and the elderly to take precautions.