Uttarakhand Rain News: Schools Closed In 4 Districts As IMD Issues Red Alert; Kedarnath Pilgrims Stranded

Uttarakhand rain alert: Schools and anganwadi centres in Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital & Udham Singh Nagar districts closed after IMD issued alert. Waterlogging in plains & landslides hills predicted.

File photo of a waterlogged road following rains at a village near Dehradun.

Source : PTI

Uttarakhand Rain News: Following a 'red' alert issued by the India Meteorological Department, schools and anganwadi centres have been closed in four districts of the state to prioritise safety in view of potential weather emergencies. The districts include Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar.

In Dehradun district, where the IMD has predicted heavy rain and thunderstorms, all government and private schools, anganwadi centres, and colleges will remain closed. The district administration has informed parents and school managements to keep an eye on the weather conditions and advised them to stay safe.

A weather alert has been issued in Haridwar, where too all anganwadi centres and schools will remain closed till September 14. The administration has asked the schools to ensure the safety of the students and keep an eye on the weather conditions.

Uttarakhand: Heavy rain in Nainital has closed three state highways and 16 rural roads, causing travel disruptions and shortages of utilities. The downpour has led to flooding, blocked drains, and affected the Nanda Sunanda Festival pic.twitter.com/mP5gnq02Ou

— IANS (@ians_india) September 12, 2024

There is a possibility of heavy rain in Nainital also, and the district administration has declared that all schools and educational institutions, besides anganwadi centres, will remain closed on September 12 and 13. Officials here advised local residents to be cautious and follow necessary guidelines.

In Udham Singh Nagar, the district administration has ordered schools to remain closed till September 14 in view of safety. Students and their families have been advised to pay attention to weather-related updates and take precautions.

In view of the alert issued by the India Meteorological Department, the district administrations across the four districts have advised residents to keep their surroundings safe, stay away from unsafe areas, stock up on essential items such as food and medicines. They have been asked to check weather conditions before venturing out, and avoid unnecessary travel if possible.

Snowfall In Garhwal; Pilgrims Stranded On Kedarnath Route

Meanwhile, PTI reported that snowfall was reported in higher reaches of Garhwal region, even as rains lashed Kumaon and Garhwal regions Thursday. A weather official was quoted as saying that snowfall was reported at an altitude of 5,000 metres in Garhwal. 

According to the report, hotels in Gaurikund will charge only a day's rent from the pilgrims who are stranded on the Kedarnath trekking route due to rain. The Sonprayag-Gaurikund road has been closed too. 

The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority has directed all district magistrates to take full precautions. It said the IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Pauri, Dehradun, Bageshwar, Nainital, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar on Friday. Due to this, there could be waterlogging in the plains and landslides in the hills, in view of which the districts have been advised to take full caution.