IMD issues 'red' alert for Uttarakhand, warns of landslides, flash floods

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a 'red' alert for Uttarakhand predicting very heavy rainfall in the state for the next two days.

In the wake of heavy rainfall in the hill states, the Met department has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travels and stay away vulnerable structures.

Warnings of landslides and flash floods was issued in the state as well.

The recent death of five pilgrims due to landslide had triggered the state government to issue strict warning to the locals. Five pilgrims were killed due to their car getting buried in a landslide at Tarsali under Chowki Phata in Rudraprayag district.

According to police officials, the dead included three devotees from Gujarat and Haridwar. Reportedly, probe was underway to identify the rest of those killed in the accident.

'Red' alert was issued for Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar for Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, a 'yellow' alert was issued for rest of the districts.

“Red and orange alerts have been issued by the Meteorological Department in many districts of the state. All the residents and tourists are requested to avoid unnecessary travel," said Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

He also added that priority is to provide quick aid and relief to the people affected by the calamity.

Uttarakhand is expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm till Wednesday.

Meanwhile, an orange alert has been issued for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall.

In Himachal Pradesh, the MeT office has issued a yellow alert was issued for Sunday with expectations of a prolonged wet spell persisting in the state until August 17.

Also, 'orange' alert was issued for Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Sub Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim for Saturday.