New Delhi: Rudraprayag district administration has issued a yellow alert for the ongoing Kedarnath Yatra in view of the severe weather conditions. The Char Dham Yatra to the four pilgrimage shrines in Uttarakhand commenced on May 3 with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples. The famous Lord Shiva shrine in Kedarnath opened on May 6 and the doors of Badrinath were thrown open for the public on May 8.
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What’s the IMD warning?
The India Meteorological Department has issued a forecast of lightning, heavy rain with winds in Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh, till May 20, according to news agency ANI.
In its district wise update, the IMD said thunderstorm accompanied with hail/squall at the speed of 50-60 kmph is likely to occur at isolated places especially in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand on Wednesday.
Thunderstorm accompanied with hail/squall at 50-60 kmph is also predicted at isolated places in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand on Thursday.
On May 14, around 31 pilgrims lost their lives owing to mountain sickness and other health problems since the start of the yatra, according to the news agency ANI.
“So far 31 pilgrims and one local resident of Badrinath have died in the 12 days since the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra. All of them died due to high blood pressure, heart attack, and mountain sickness," Uttarakhand director-general health Dr Shailja Bhatt said. She further added that the health screening of the pilgrims is being done at points created on the travel routes.
In its latest update, the IMD has issued instructions keeping in mind the weather conditions.
Check latest advisory on severe weather conditions from May 18-22
Keep the harvested produce (if in the field) at safe place.
People are advised to be cautious and take shelter in safe places/Pucca houses during thunderstorm/ hailstorm/squall activities; do not take shelter under trees.
Use hail net to protect the trees from hail.
Do not tie the animals outdoor during hail/squall
People are advised to park their vehicles at safe places/sheltered parking.
Residents have been asked to stay indoors, keep windows & doors closed
Keep away from all the objects that conduct electricity.
Do not tie the animals in outdoor during thunderstorm/ lightning.
Settlements/ People residing near the rivulets/streams are to remain cautious/be at a safer place. People are advised to be cautious and take shelter in safe places/Pucca houses during thunderstorm/ lightning activities; do not take shelter under trees.