PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The Uttarakhand government has put its machinery on alert after the meteorological centre issued an orange alert for several districts of the State on Sunday. The warning comes after strong winds, storms and rain affected many areas on Sunday with rough weather forecast on Monday. The Disaster Management and Rehabilitation secretary Vinod Kumar Suman held a meeting with all district officials to review the situation and issued necessary instructions.
Keeping the Char Dham Yatra in mind, special instructions were given regarding helicopter services. Suman said that helicopter flights should operate only if weather conditions are safe. In case of bad weather, flights should be stopped to avoid any risk to passengers. Officials said the meteorological centre has also issued an orange alert for Monday and Tuesday. All district administrations have been asked to remain fully prepared and take immediate action if needed. The officials were directed to share weather alerts quickly with the public through emergency operation centres so that people can stay safe and informed.
According to officials, an orange alert has been issued for Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar and Champawat districts for May 4. For May 5, the warning has been issued for Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts. During this period, there may be heavy rain coupled with lightning, hailstorms and strong winds blowing at speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour.
Suman directed officials to reopen blocked roads on priority basis so that people do not face problems. Some roads were blocked due to bad weather, but many have already been cleared. Orders have been given to open the remaining roads as soon as possible.
