Uttarakhand has been battered with heavy rain, with the state receiving unabated rainfall over the last few days in Dehradun and other districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forewarned many parts of India by issuing a yellow and an orange alert about the possible flooding and landslides, and the disturbances in their daily lives. The continued rainy spell has led to people fearing and worrying about the potential danger, and the relief and rescue services are under supervision.
The state capital, Dehradun, has been among the most affected places with non-stop rainfall that has led to flood water stagnation in low-lying areas and traffic jams on the key roads. The other areas that are struggling with high amounts of precipitation are other districts such as Pauri, Tehri, Rudraprayag, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar. Orange alert of the IMD is related to a significant likelihood of entering severe weather and wants citizens to be indoors except when it is critically necessary, whereas the yellow alert does not predict any malignancies, but yet informs people to mitigate the risk.
The constant rains have also increased the risk of landslides in mountainous areas, especially at highway junctions to isolated towns and religious destinations. The authority has been compelled to send teams to clear debris that has blocked several roads in the interior parts of the state on time. Gradually, above the reaches, flash floods have been witnessed in some of the streams, making the situation even more complicated.
Disaster emergency teams are already fighting to provide rescue in the worst areas, and state contingency teams and local administrations are operating 24/7. There are also temporary shelters in certain locales housing families that have lost their homes to floods, and the necessary items like food and clean drinking water are being supplied. It has also affected the repairs that have been underway in infrastructure since weather conditions are poor with darkness and slippers making the work go slowly.
The rain continues to create worries about the security of tourists and pilgrims to the popular destinations and religious places located in Uttarakhand. Tourism departments have also given out warnings to travellers to check weather reports before moving to tourism sites and also refrain from travelling to dangerous areas such as riverside and unstable slopes. The helicopter services in certain parts are disrupted because of low visibility, thus slowing down the provision of aid in remote villages.
As the IMD forecasts a rise in the amount of rain in the next few days, officials are asking citizens to be cautious and adhere to safety information. It continues to be focused on the avoidance of life loss and providing prompt help to the people in need. At least till this time, the residents of Uttarakhand are preparing to have yet another tough and rainy season as the monsoon season does not seem to relent anytime soon.
