A red alert has been issued for Uttarakhand as monsoon rains intensify across the state, with a cloudburst in Nainital highlighting the severe weather conditions. Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in the entire Kumaon division and parts of the Garhwal division over the next few days.
Weather Warnings and Impact
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Nainital, Bageshwar, Champawat, Almora, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar, warning of potential heavy to very heavy rains. Similar conditions are anticipated in Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, and Haridwar in the Garhwal division, with an orange alert issued for these areas.
Rainfall and Road Blockages
Heavy rains have already caused significant disruptions, with Sama in Bageshwar district recording 222 mm of rainfall in the last 12 hours. Other notable rainfall measurements include 176.3 mm in Lohaghat, 145.2 mm in Nainital, 145 mm in Rikhdikhal (Pauri), and 96.2 mm in Roshnabad (Haridwar). The Maldevta-Serki village road, connecting Dehradun to Tehri, has been blocked by debris since 9 am. Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts also reported multiple road blockages due to heavy rains overnight.
Meteorological Predictions
Bikram Singh, Director of the Meteorological Center, warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in nearly all districts of Kumaon starting Tuesday and continuing for the next three days. This period of rainfall is anticipated to be more intense than previous monsoon activity this season. A brief respite with less rainfall is predicted for July 5 and 6.
Nainital Cloudburst
On Sunday midnight, Nainital experienced a cloudburst, resulting in 96 mm of rain within an hour. Fortunately, the historic British-era drainage system helped prevent significant damage to life and property. The intense rain caused drains to overflow, submerging roads and bringing debris onto major routes such as Haldwani Road, Kaladhungi Road, and Bhawali Road. These routes were temporarily blocked for around two hours. The torrential rain raised the lake’s water level by one foot overnight.
Safety Measures
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for three days starting Tuesday in five districts of Kumaon, excluding Almora, and has urged residents to stay vigilant. People living in sensitive areas are especially advised to exercise caution at night.
As the state braces for continued heavy rainfall, authorities are on high alert, and residents are advised to remain cautious and prepared for potential disruptions.