Uttarakhand weather forecast: IMD issues heavy rain alert for next 3 days, Chardham Yatra on hold

DEHRADUN: The Meteorological Centre in Uttarakhand has forecast heavy rainfall across various parts of the state until July 10, prompting the state government to issue alerts and precautionary measures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in numerous regions, with extremely heavy rainfall expected in isolated areas within the Kumaon region.
Key districts such as Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pauri are expected to experience heavy rain on July 7. The weather forecast also warns of heavy rains in Dehradun, Tehri, Haridwar, and Uttarkashi districts on July 9 and in Tehri, Pauri, Bageshwar, Almora, Nainital, and Champawat districts on July 10.
The IMD has specifically mentioned that thunderstorms with lightning and intense to very intense spells are likely on July 8 and 9 in both the hills and the plains of the state.
"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.
Given the heavy rainfall alert, the state government has appealed to residents to stay in safe areas and remain cautious due to the potential disasters caused by the heavy rains. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed district magistrates of the affected districts to stay on high alert in view of the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall. He also reminded the public to remain cautious and stay in safe places due to potential disasters caused by heavy rains.
"Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the 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," as per the report.
The Chief Minister has instructed all concerned district magistrates to be prompt at every level and to take every possible precaution for the safety of lives and property. He emphasized ensuring the availability of all necessary resources and readiness to deal with any situation. Officers from various departments have been instructed to maintain mutual harmony and prepare for any scenario.
"He has 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," said the statement.
In his message, CM Dhami urged the public not to pay attention to rumors and to follow the guidelines issued by the district administration. He further requested that people avoid dangerous places and only travel 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," said CM Dhami.
Chardham Yatra put on hold in view of heavy rain alert
The Chardham yatra has been temporarily halted due to the weather department's forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand's Garhwal region on July 7-8. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey announced the decision to postpone the pilgrimage for the safety of the devotees.
"In view of the weather department's prediction of heavy rains in Garhwal division on July 7-8, all devotees are urged not to start for the Chardham yatra beyond Rishikesh on July 7," Pandey said. He advised pilgrims who have already begun their journey to wait wherever they are until the weather improves before continuing.
Recent heavy rains in various parts of Uttarakhand have caused landslides in the hills, blocking the highway leading to Badrinath at several points due to falling debris.
On Saturday, two pilgrims from Hyderabad lost their lives when they were struck by boulders falling from the hillside following a landslide near Chatwapeepal area of Karnaprayag in Chamoli district. The incident occurred as they were returning from Badrinath on a motorcycle.
The rivers in Uttarakhand are also flowing at high levels, with the Alaknanda river near the danger mark at Vishnu Prayag, close to Joshimath. The Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga rivers converge at Vishnu Prayag.