Dehradun. Following a heavy to very heavy rainfall warning for the next two days in Uttarakhand, the government has gone into high alert mode. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed all concerned departments and districts to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and continuously monitor sensitive areas. The Chief Minister urged that all preparations for relief and rescue operations be arranged well in advance to tackle any potential disaster situation.
Upon the Chief Minister’s directives, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, held a meeting with officials from all 13 districts to review readiness. He instructed district emergency operation centers to remain active and directed that weather warnings be immediately conveyed to the local level.
Red Alert in Five Districts on September 26
According to the Weather Department forecast, a Red Alert has been issued for Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar on September 26. An Orange Alert is in place for Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Almora, while a Yellow Alert applies to Haridwar, Uttarkashi, and Tehri Garhwal.
Red Alert in Four Districts on September 27
On September 27, a Red Alert has been declared for Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, and Haridwar, whereas an Orange Alert is active for Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Nainital, and Rudraprayag. A Yellow Alert will remain in effect for Bageshwar, Almora, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, and Pithoragarh.
The Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in many places, with extremely heavy rainfall expected at isolated locations during this period. Special vigilance has been advised considering the risk of landslides and road blockages in hilly regions, alongside waterlogging concerns in plain areas.
Directives to Keep JCBs and Rescue Teams Ready
The Secretary of Disaster Management directed continuous monitoring of water levels in rivers, streams, rivulets (gaad-gadera), and water sources. Instructions were given to arrange immediate evacuation of nearby residents to safer places should water levels rise. JCBs and other heavy machinery must be strategically positioned in landslide-prone zones to respond promptly.
All district emergency operation centers have been ordered to remain functional 24 hours a day, maintaining seamless coordination with the Police, SDRF, Fire Services, Health, Public Works Department (PWD), Water Works, and Electricity departments. Directives were also issued for heightened monitoring along Chardham Yatra routes, major tourist spots, and other vulnerable areas.
Contact Numbers for Emergency Situations
The administration has appealed to the public to follow warnings issued by the Weather Department and district administration, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay away from rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas. In case of any emergency, citizens can reach out via:
- State Emergency Operation Center Toll-Free Number: 1070
- District Emergency Operation Center: 1077
- Emergency Helpline Service: 112
Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Madan Kaushik also instructed officials to closely track weather developments and remain fully prepared to handle any emergency.
