Dehradun: Tourists and devotees are being urged to avoid visiting Uttarakhand this week due to a heavy rain alert issued for the state. The life of residents and visitors alike is being significantly impacted by ongoing heavy rains and landslides.
Travel Warnings and Alerts
The Meteorological Department has issued a rain alert across all districts for Thursday. A red alert has been declared in three districts, while an orange alert has been issued for four other districts.
Authorities have advised extra caution in areas prone to landslides. Tourists and devotees are strongly advised to postpone their travel plans to Uttarakhand during this period.
Heavy Rain Forecast
The weather forecast predicts heavy rain today in both the Kumaon and Garhwal divisions, including Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, and Haridwar.
Due to these predictions, a holiday has been declared in schools across Tehri, Pauri, Dehradun, Bageshwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar on Thursday, August 1. All educational institutions from class one to twelve will remain closed.
Risks of Heavy Rain and Landslides
Heavy rain and landslides pose significant risks for tourists. Roads in the mountainous regions can become blocked, leading to loss of connectivity and potential stranding of travelers.
Sudden landslides increase the danger in these areas. Tourists are advised to cancel their plans to visit the high Himalayan areas during heavy rain warnings.
Precautions for Travelers
- Postpone Travel Plans: If you have plans to visit Uttarakhand, it is strongly recommended to postpone your trip until the weather conditions improve.
- Stay Updated: Continuously monitor weather forecasts and updates from the Meteorological Department before planning any travel.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Do not travel to high Himalayan areas or other regions prone to landslides during this period.
- Emergency Preparedness: If you are already in Uttarakhand, stay indoors and avoid traveling. Keep emergency supplies, including food, water, and first aid kits, on hand.
- Communication: Maintain regular communication with local authorities and follow their instructions and advisories.
The ongoing weather conditions in Uttarakhand are posing significant challenges. The state government and local authorities are taking measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Tourists are urged to cooperate and prioritize safety by postponing their travel plans until the weather improves.
Very risky to travel in Uttarakhand