Red, Orange Alerts Issued for Uttarakhand and Himachal. Photo Credit: HT
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and potential landslides as the monsoon tightens its grip over North India. Meanwhile, Delhi rains returned with force, causing waterlogging in key areas, with surrounding NCR regions like Noida and Gurgaon also experiencing showers and dipping temperatures.
North India Braces for More Rain
As per the IMD’s latest advisory, red alerts — indicating the highest level of caution — have been issued for districts in Uttarakhand, especially in hilly regions such as Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and Champawat, where rainfall may exceed 200 mm in 24 hours, reported by Hindustan Times. An orange alert, signaling “be prepared” status, was issued for parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba, where landslides and flash floods remain a possibility.
With rivers like the Ganga, Beas and Yamuna already flowing close to warning levels in various stretches, the weather office has advised local administrations to remain on high alert. Evacuation plans are reportedly being prepared in vulnerable hill settlements.
Delhi-NCR Sees Sudden Downpour
In the capital, Delhi rains returned on Saturday morning, offering some relief from the oppressive humidity. However, the sudden downpour led to traffic snarls and waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas such as Minto Road, South Extension and Lajpat Nagar.
In Noida and Gurgaon, residents woke up to thunder, lightning and light to moderate rainfall. Temperatures dropped by 2–3 degrees Celsius, with the maximum expected to hover around 33°C. IMD forecasts suggest more rain over the next 48 hours across NCR, with gusty winds and possible thunderstorms.
Schools Shut in Himachal; Char Dham Yatra Hit
The Himachal Pradesh government has temporarily shut schools in some high-altitude areas due to the likelihood of landslides and falling boulders. Meanwhile, the famous Char Dham Yatra — particularly in Uttarakhand — has been impacted, with several roads either washed away or rendered inaccessible. Pilgrims have been asked to postpone their journeys till weather conditions stabilize.
In Badrinath and Kedarnath, visuals of swelling rivers and fog-covered roads have gone viral, raising concerns about traveler safety. Several buses and private vehicles have been stranded due to landslip-related blockades on key routes.
Urban Flooding, Crop Damage Reported
While the hill states grapple with landslide threats, the plains are reporting a different set of challenges. In Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh, incessant rainfall has triggered urban flooding, affecting farmlands and raising fears of crop damage, especially to paddy and vegetables.
In the NCR region, civic authorities say they have dispatched pump sets and disaster teams to flood-prone zones. However, reports of clogged drains and knee-deep water in residential areas suggest unpreparedness in some sectors.
What the IMD Predicts Next
According to IMD officials, the monsoon trough has shifted northward, increasing rainfall activity over Uttarakhand, Himachal, Delhi, Haryana and western UP. The department has forecast more widespread rain for at least the next 3–4 days, with isolated heavy showers expected during this period.
They also noted a rise in moisture levels in the atmosphere due to southwesterly winds from the Arabian Sea, which is likely to maintain monsoon intensity across North India through the weekend.
Precautionary Measures Advised
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to stay indoors during high rainfall periods, avoid landslide-prone zones, and monitor alerts from state disaster management authorities. Tourists planning to visit hill stations are being urged to postpone travel and remain updated via local helpline numbers.
Disaster response teams in both Himachal and Uttarakhand have been placed on standby. Authorities in Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon have activated emergency hotlines for waterlogging complaints and tree falls.
