Tourists Urged To Postpone Travel As Uttarakhand Faces Heavy Rainfall Warning

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in Uttarakhand, advising tourists and residents to avoid travel due to the risk of extremely heavy rainfall over the coming days. The alert is in effect for Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar on Friday, Sep 13.

According to the IMD, a large inland depression, detected through ISRO satellite data, has entered North India and is expected to bring very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall (150-350mm) to Uttarakhand and parts of western Uttar Pradesh. This weather system is likely to intensify over the next 48 hours, beginning Friday night, potentially causing flash floods and cloudbursts in vulnerable areas.

Authorities have urged pilgrims and tourists, especially those planning to visit pilgrimage sites like Chardham, to stay alert and avoid travel. Residents in landslide-prone areas are being advised to relocate to safer locations as the risk of landslides, rockfalls, and road blockages remains high.

Heavy rainfall could disrupt essential services, such as transportation, electricity, and water supply, while low-lying areas may face waterlogging. Commuters are also being cautioned to avoid crossing landslide-prone regions and to stay informed of weather updates. The IMD has emphasized the importance of following safety precautions and staying indoors during this period to minimize the risk of accidents and flash floods. Further updates will follow as the situation evolves.

Recommendations For Residents And Tourists

• Move to Safer Locations: Residents in landslide-prone areas should relocate to safer places.

• Avoid Travel: Pilgrims and tourists, especially those heading to Chardham or other pilgrimage sites, should remain alert and avoid travelling.

• Stay Prepared: People near major rivers, streams, and flood-prone areas should be ready to move to higher ground.

• Monitor Weather Reports: Stay updated with the latest weather reports and avoid travelling during heavy rains.

• Avoid Flooded Areas: Avoid swimming or boating in swollen rivers or streams.

(With inputs from multiple news reports)