IMD issues red and orange alerts across several Uttarakhand districts

…to maintain special vigilance along the Char Dham Yatra route in view of the weather forecast and warnings issued by the Meteorological Department, and to ensure that all necessary arrangements were in place. “ In view of the forecast and warning issued by the Meteorological Department, instructions have been given to officials to exercise special vigilance regarding the Char Dham Yatra and ensure necessary arrangements ,” Dhami said. He added, "The safety of local residents as well as all tourists and pilgrims coming here is our topmost priority. We appeal to everyone to exercise caution keeping in view the weather conditions, avoid…

…commuters to avoid non-essential travel and vulnerable areas amid the risk of landslides, flash floods and disruptions to roads and essential services. Director of the Meteorological Centre in Dehradun CS Tomar said, “ The combined impact of two weather systems is likely to bring intense rainfall across Uttarakhand from the night of September 25 until the forenoon of September 28. ” Rain activity is expected to peak on September 26 and 27, when widespread light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and showers is forecast at most places, he said. Light to moderate rain and thundershowers…

…settlements. Disruptions to electricity and drinking-water supplies, rail services, flights and helicopter operations have also been cautioned against. Rahul Chaubey, district tourism officer, Rudraprayag, said helicopter operations to Kedarnath Dham would be halted as a precaution if cloudy or severe weather conditions affected flying conditions. Authorities have been advised to consider closing schools and suspending construction activity and mountaineering expeditions in affected areas. Pilgrims and tourists travelling on Char Dham routes and to other hill…

…hours for the second consecutive day. Pithoragarh District Disaster Management Officer Bhupendra Singh Mahar said the sudden fall of stones and debris began around 10 am on Thursday and continued until Friday morning. “ We have requested National Highways officials to exercise caution while allowing vehicles to cross the bend from either side ,” he said. The disruption led to long queues on both sides and affected patients travelling to higher medical centres. Prakash Joshi, a BJP leader who was among stranded passengers, said a patient travelling to Delhi…