Uttarakhand issues red, orange and yellow alerts as IMD predicts heavy rain for coming week

August 12, 2025

Uttarakhand: The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has issued fresh guidelines to all District Magistrates after the Meteorological Department predicted red, orange, and yellow alerts across the state over the coming week, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

Orange and Yellow Alerts in Effect

On August 12, an orange alert is in place for Dehradun, Nainital, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Pauri, Champawat, and Bageshwar, with heavy rain likely at isolated spots. Other districts are under a yellow alert, with forecasts of thunderstorms, lightning, and intense rainfall in some areas.

Red Alerts for August 13–14

From August 13 to 14, red alerts will cover Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, and Bageshwar, where extremely heavy rain may occur in isolated areas. The rest of the districts will face heavy to very heavy rain under orange alerts.

On August 15, these same districts will shift to orange alerts, while yellow alerts will continue elsewhere.

Emergency Preparedness and Directives

Authorities have been instructed to monitor traffic, share real-time updates, and maintain emergency readiness. District agencies such as PWD, PMGSY, ABD, and BRO must ensure roads remain clear of blockages.

Police stations and village heads have been told to keep torches, plastic sheets, helmets, and umbrellas ready, while officials must keep phones active 24/7.

Public Safety and Travel Restrictions

Residents in low-lying areas, near rivers or floodplains have been urged to stay alert and be ready to move to higher ground. Pilgrims and tourists—particularly those heading to Chardham—are advised to avoid travel during the alert period. Dam operators must keep reservoir levels low, and mountaineering expeditions should halt.

The government has suggested closing schools, pausing construction work, and advising people to stay indoors during heavy rain, avoid landslide-prone zones, and not cross flooded areas.