Heavy rain batters parts of Uttarakhand; schools shut, Char Dham pilgrims advised caution
New Delhi, July 28 (IANS) As incessant monsoon showers continue to batter Uttarakhand, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts, prompting the state administration to step up precautionary measures and urge residents as well as pilgrims to remain vigilant.
In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall, the administration has appealed to people to stay away from rivers and streams, avoid non-essential travel, and exercise extreme caution while moving through hilly regions where the possibility of landslides remains high.
Authorities have also advised both local residents and tourists to strictly follow weather advisories and instructions issued by the Meteorological Department and district administrations.
As a precautionary measure amid the forecast of intense rainfall, all schools and Anganwadi centres across the affected areas will remain closed on Tuesday.
With the monsoon now fully active across Uttarakhand, the state has received widespread rainfall over the past several days.
According to the weather department, heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning is likely in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri and Pauri Garhwal districts over the coming hours.
The administration has also issued an advisory for pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, urging them to check the latest weather conditions before beginning their journey.
Officials warned that continuous rainfall could significantly increase the risk of landslides, falling rocks and other weather-related hazards in the mountainous regions.
Meanwhile, the Badrinath National Highway has been blocked after debris accumulated on the roadway near Kanchannala, affecting vehicular movement along the route.
Heavy and continuous rainfall has also caused damage to the newly constructed bridge over the Tons River at Nanda Ki Chowki in Prem Nagar, disrupting traffic connectivity between Dehradun, Vikasnagar and neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.
According to the Meteorological Department, very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely in several parts of the state, including Purola, Barkot, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Sonprayag, Tharali, the Nanda Devi mountain region, Munsyari, Berinag, Gangolihat, Didihat, Jaspur, Rudrapur, Khatima and adjoining areas.
Authorities have advised people living in these regions to remain alert and avoid venturing into vulnerable locations until weather conditions improve.
–IANS
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