Heavy rain batters Uttarakhand: Rivers overflow in Dehradun, residential areas flooded; Naini lake rises, Kedarnath yatra suspended

Dehradun: The Indian Meteorological department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain for several districts in afternoon today, warning for flood like situation and landslide possibilities at several districts. In the last three house, the several parts of the state witnessed the havoc wrecked by the weather in the form of overflowing rivers flooding the residential areas, landslides blocking the highways and disrupting the lives for many.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for Dehradun, Nainital, Bageshwar, and nearby regions, predicting more intense rain over the next 48 hours. Rising water levels in rivers and lakes have sparked fears of flooding. Along with this, The Kedarnath yatra has been halted for coming three days in view of poor weather. Uttarakhand is facing the brunt of continuous heavy rainfall, affecting daily life in several districts

Indian meteorological department issued alert in Dehradun and Bageshwar

IMD has already issued an orange alert for heavy rain in Dehradun and Bageshwar along with a yellow alert for rest all the districts. But the weather has gone worse in afternoon prompting IMD to send further alerts. Resultantly, Dehradun recorded significant rainfall in the past 24 hours. All the rivers-Tamsa, Rispana, Bindal and Bandal rivers are flowing ferociously, scaring people living at the riverbanks. Moreover, Bageshwar is also under a heavy rain alert, with the IMD advising caution. Residents have been warned to avoid riverbanks and low-lying areas. Temperatures have dropped, adding a chill to the already wet conditions.

The weather department had issued an orange alert for rainfall for the three hours, i.e., from 1 PM to 4 PM today. According to the department, there was a high possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall, along with intense to very intense spells, thunderstorms, and lightning in various areas including Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Tehri, and Udham Singh Nagar. This includes towns such as Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Kashipur, Ranikhet, Kotdwar, and their surrounding regions.

Naini Lake water level rises sharply

In Nainital, the water level of the famous Naini Lake has surged to 87.2 feet, nearing the danger mark. There’s growing concern about possible flooding in nearby areas. Authorities are monitoring the situation and may open the lake’s outlet gates to release excess water. Locals have been advised to remain alert and avoid lakeside zones. Apart from this, a massive tree fell on the Landour Police Station in Mussoorie. A police constable and his family, who were inside at the time, narrowly escaped harm. Witnesses say the tree was already weakened and collapsed due to the rain. Officials have begun inspecting other vulnerable trees in the area to prevent further incidents.

Administration on high alert

Add TV9 English As A Trusted Source

Due to heavy rain warnings across Uttarakhand from August 12 to 14, the Kedarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended for devotees' safety. Machines are deployed 24x7 in danger zones, and teams are on alert while river levels are being closely monitored. To combat the worsening situation, disaster response teams have been deployed across affected districts. Schools may be closed if rainfall continues at this intensity. Landslide-prone zones are under surveillance, and traffic is being regulated. Citizens are urged to stay indoors, avoid risky areas, and follow official advisories.

In view of the possibility of heavy rains issued by the IMD, Dehradun, a one-day holiday has been declared in all the schools from class one to 12 in Rudraprayag, Pauri Garhwal, and Nainital districts.