Dehradun

The Uttarakhand government on Wednesday initiated emergency protocols and started broadcasting SMS weather warnings to high-risk areas following a three-day "Orange Alert" for heavy rainfall issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman warned that while the annual Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage remains active, footfall is expected to drop sharply if the heavy downpours intensify across the Himalayan region.

Speaking to ANI, DM said, "The IMD has issued an 'Orange Alert' for three days... Alerts are being sent via SMS to areas where heavy rainfall is expected. The Char Dham Yatra is currently underway, but the number of pilgrims will certainly decrease if the rainfall intensifies..."

Meanwhile, following the weather department's alert, the Rudraprayag district administration has been put on high alert. With the onset of the monsoon, the district has been placed under Yellow and Orange alerts for different periods.

Heavy rainfall has been continuing across several parts of the district, including Kedarnath.

In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the district administration and the Disaster Management Department are closely monitoring the situation through the control room, keeping a constant watch on the highways, the Kedarnath Yatra route, and other vulnerable areas.

To ensure the safety of pilgrims and residents, all concerned departments and officials have been directed to remain on alert.

Earlier in the day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Dehradun issued a heavy rainfall alert for the next four days (till July 4) in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, with the district administration urging residents to remain vigilant.

In view of the forecast, the administration has advised people to avoid visiting rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas as a precautionary measure.

Officials have appealed to residents to exercise caution and follow advisories issued by the authorities to ensure their safety during the period of expected heavy rainfall.

READ MORE: Jamila Nishat: A poet, activist, and champion of women’s rights

The administration said it is closely monitoring the situation and urged the public to stay updated through official weather bulletins and alerts.