Dehradun: Uttarakhand continues to remain under the grip of a prolonged spell of monsoon rain, with the weather department warning of heavy showers in five districts and cautioning residents about possible landslides and rising river levels.
The India Meteorological Department’s Dehradun centre has issued a Yellow Alert for today, forecasting isolated heavy rainfall in Dehradun, Tehri, Bageshwar, Nainital and Pithoragarh. Thunderstorms and spells of heavy to very heavy rain are also possible in other parts of the state.
The persistent rainfall has increased the risk of landslides in mountainous areas and sudden rises in the levels of rivers and streams. Authorities have advised people, particularly those in vulnerable hill areas, to remain cautious.
Dehradun records 95 mm rain
Several parts of Uttarakhand received substantial rainfall during the past 24 hours. Maldevta in Dehradun recorded the highest figure at 95 mm, while Chandrabadni received 89.5 mm and Sahastradhara recorded 70.5 mm.
The prolonged weather spell has also disrupted road connectivity. As many as 107 roads are currently closed across the state. The affected routes include one BRO National Highway, two state highways, 17 PWD roads and 87 roads maintained under PMGSY/RWD.
Natural disasters during the current period have claimed 43 lives, according to the available figures.
Tehri Dam crosses warning level
The situation has become more concerning around water bodies, with the water level at Tehri Dam crossing the warning mark. Authorities have warned that continued rainfall could lead to increased discharge from dams and barrages, along with further rises in major rivers and their tributaries.
In another major disruption, a BRO bridge in Pithoragarh’s Kulagad Valley collapsed on Wednesday after being hit by a boulder falling from a hillside. The damage cut road access to the Vyas, Darma and Chaudas valleys and disrupted connectivity towards the China border.
Continuous rain has hampered efforts to restore the route, with the BRO unable to establish an alternative connection within 24 hours. Rising water levels and adverse weather conditions are also making relief and reconstruction operations difficult.
Dehradun weather forecast
Dehradun is likely to experience partly to generally cloudy conditions today. One or two spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected, with the possibility of heavier showers in some areas.
The city’s maximum temperature is likely to remain around 31°C, while the minimum temperature may settle near 24°C.
Rain outlook for next three days
August 22: Several districts are expected to receive rain, with thunderstorms and heavy showers possible at some locations.
August 23: Heavy rainfall may occur in parts of Tehri, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar. Residents in landslide-prone hill areas have been advised to exercise additional caution.
August 24: Monsoon conditions are likely to continue, bringing light to moderate rain and thundershowers to many parts of the state.
With rainfall continuing and infrastructure already affected, authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable roads, rivers and slopes across Uttarakhand.
