Could a Landslide Affect Four Districts in Uttarakhand Due to Heavy Rain?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- High Alert: SEOC issues landslide warning for four districts.
- Precautions: Traffic regulations and emergency response measures are in place.
- Public Safety: Residents should avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.
- Emergency Gear: Responders must carry essential supplies.
- Communication: Information will be widely disseminated to keep the public informed.
Dehradun, July 7 (NationPress) The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Uttarakhand has issued a critical landslide warning for four districts—Tehri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli—after forecasts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The alert, issued on July 6, cautions about potential landslides on July 7 and 8 in various subdivisions, including Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath, Ghansali, Narendra Nagar, Dhanaulti, Dunda, and Chinyalisaur.
The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in these areas, which significantly elevates the risk of landslides and road blockages.
In light of this, the SEOC has instructed all district magistrates and disaster management authorities to adopt stringent precautionary measures. These include maintaining a high alert across all administrative levels, regulating traffic, and ensuring a quick response in case of emergencies. All officers under the Incident Response System (IRS) are required to remain vigilant.
Agencies have been prompted to clear any blocked roads, including national highways, Pradhanmantri Gramin Sadak, and other routes. Local officials, such as revenue inspectors, village development officers, and gram panchayat officers, must stay in their designated areas. Police stations and outposts are advised to be equipped with disaster response tools and communication systems.
Authorities are encouraged to carry essential supplies like raincoats, torches, helmets, and emergency gear in their vehicles. Government officials and staff must keep their mobile phones active during this period.
Provisions for food and medical assistance must be arranged for any stranded individuals. Special care is needed for schoolchildren, and tourist activities in high Himalayan areas should be curtailed during this warning phase, with both vehicle and foot traffic halted during heavy rainfall.
District information officers are tasked with broadly disseminating this warning through print and broadcast media, urging the public to refrain from unnecessary travel.
Sensitive routes and landslide-prone areas should be equipped with signage and emergency machinery such as earthmoving equipment and excavators. The SEOC has stressed that any disaster-related information must be promptly reported to the state control room using designated emergency contact numbers.