The Uttarakhand government has placed all districts on alert ahead of forecasts of heavy rainfall, hailstorms and b winds on October 30. Following the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) orange and yellow alerts, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the administration to remain vigilant and ensure preparedness for emergency response and rescue operations.
According to the IMD, weather conditions are likely to deteriorate in Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and Chamoli on Friday, October 30. Thunderstorms, hailstorms and b winds are expected at isolated places in these districts.
Wind speeds could reach 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. Heavy rainfall is also forecast at isolated locations in Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Nainital and Champawat. A yellow alert has been issued for the remaining districts in view of the possibility of lightning and b winds.
Higher-altitude areas of the state may also receive snowfall along with rainfall. This could affect traffic movement on mountain roads, particularly along routes already vulnerable to landslides and falling rocks.
Following the weather department's warning, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed the state administration and district authorities to put necessary safety arrangements in place.
He directed officials to regulate trekking activities in mountainous areas during adverse weather conditions. The Chief Minister also asked the administration to pay particular attention to the movement of tourists in high Himalayan regions.
Authorities have been instructed to remain especially vigilant in areas prone to landslides. If required, traffic movement on vulnerable roads will be regulated.
In the event of road closures caused by rainfall or landslides, the concerned departments have been directed to initiate immediate restoration measures to minimise inconvenience to commuters.
The Chief Minister has asked all district magistrates to ensure that officials associated with disaster management continuously monitor the situation.
Officials responsible for the Incident Response System (IRS) under the disaster management framework, along with departmental nodal officers, have been directed to remain on high alert.
Officials from the Revenue, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments have also been instructed to remain active in their respective areas. The police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Services and other rescue teams have been asked to remain prepared with the necessary equipment.
Dhami also emphasised the need for coordination among government departments. He directed officials to work together in the event of an emergency to ensure that assistance reaches affected people without delay.
The administration has also been instructed to monitor fresh weather warnings issued by the IMD and take necessary preventive measures in a timely manner.
People travelling on mountainous roads have been advised to exercise particular caution during adverse weather conditions. It is advisable to remain in safe locations during heavy rainfall, thunderstorms or lightning.
Tourists planning to visit hilly areas should check weather forecasts and road conditions before beginning their journeys.
