Uttarakhand: Avalanche Alerts Issued For 5 Districts After Fresh Snowfall

Dehradun: As fresh spell of snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of Uttarakhand, the Meteorological Centre in Dehradun issued avalanche alerts across five hill districts. 

The State Emergency Control Centre in Dehradun have issued avalanche warnings as snow-covered slopes grow unstable.

Which districts are affected?

According to the Meteorological Centre, snowfall and rain were recorded in various areas located at altitudes of 2,800 metres.

According to the advisory, the districts which come under the Danger Level-2 mark are, Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Rudraprayag, indicating a greater probability of avalanches in sensitive zones. And, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar have been kept under Danger Level-1. 

According to the State Emergency Control Room, "the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) has declared a Danger Level 2 (Yellow Alert) for Chamoli district for avalanche risk, valid for 24 hours from 5 pm on Sunday to 5 pm on Monday. A Danger Level 1 (Green Alert) has also been issued for Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh, indicating the need for caution in snow-bound areas."

The advisory will remain effective till 5 pm on Monday.

Who issued the advisory?

The advisory was issued by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) based on a forecast from the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), Chandigarh. 

According to the officials said the fresh snowfall could add to the chances of an avalanche, especially in areas with a history of such incidents.

The authorities have advised people living there and tourists to avoid unnecessary movement, avalanche-prone zones and clear snow accumulation from rooftops to prevent structural damage.

Any official word?

The IMD Dehradun Centre director CS Tomar said, "Light snow and rain were experienced in higher reaches at isolated places. The western disturbance currently active is likely to prevail overnight. Another weak system is developing, but it will not have much impact, and weather conditions are expected to start clearing from February 4."