Uttarakhand on Red Alert: Heavy Rainfall and Snowfall Predicted

Uttarakhand's Garhwal region experienced snowfall, while the IMD issued a red alert for heavy rainfall across the state. Schools in some districts have shut down. Hotel owners in Gaurikund are charging pilgrims stranded by rain only one day's rent. The State Disaster Management Authority has directed full precautions.

Snowfall hit the higher reaches of Uttarakhand's Garhwal region as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy rainfall across the state. The IMD forecasted light to moderate rain from September 12 to 14, with isolated areas receiving heavy to extremely heavy rain.

Due to the continuous downpour, schools in several districts, including Dehradun and Chamoli, have been ordered to shut down. Both the Kumaon and Garhwal regions have been lashed by rain since Thursday morning, with snowfall reported in Garhwal's high Himalayan region.

Meanwhile, Gaurikund hotel owners have decided to charge only one day's rent for pilgrims stranded by the rains along the Kedarnath trekking route. The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority has advised all District Magistrates to take full precautions, citing potential for waterlogging in plains and landslides in hilly districts.

(With inputs from agencies.)