Uttarakhand Weather Cloudburst Alert: Double attack of nature in 12 districts of Uttarakhand today, ‘Red Alert’ of Meteorological Department; Schools and Anganwadi centers completely closed amid flood threat

Monsoon clouds have once again assumed a ferocious form in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has today issued a high-intensity red alert of ‘Extremely Heavy Rainfall’ in many parts of the state on July 20, 2026. Due to continuous torrential rains in the mountains, the water level of rivers and storm drains has reached near the danger mark, creating a danger of flash floods in the plains and coastal areas and severe waterlogging in low-lying areas. In view of this emergency situation and keeping in mind the safety of children, the district administrations have issued strict orders for complete closure of all government and private schools and Anganwadi centers from classes 1 to 12 today in all 12 districts of the state except Bageshwar. If seen from a reporter’s perspective, the next 24 to 48 hours are going to be very critical for Uttarakhand.

‘Red alert’ in these 3 big districts, warning of heavy rain in other places

According to the latest bulletin of Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, due to movement of clouds and formation of low pressure area, the greatest danger is looming mainly in three districts today on July 20:

• Main districts under red alert: There is a possibility of extremely heavy rain with thunder and lightning at some places in Dehradun, Haridwar and Tehri Garhwal.

• Within the scope of Orange Alert: Orange alert of heavy to very heavy rain is issued in sensitive districts like Nainital, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarkashi and Pauri Garhwal.

• Yellow Alert Warning: Lightning and heavy rain have also been predicted in Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Almora and Pithoragarh districts. Orange alert will remain in effect in the state on July 21 also.

Dozens of roads including Yamunotri Highway closed due to debris, impact on Chardham Yatra

Due to continuous rains, there has been a huge increase in the incidents of landslides and rockslides in the hilly areas. Yamunotri National Highway (NH-134) in Uttarkashi district is being repeatedly disrupted due to heavy debris and stones near Ojri, Sialchatti and Paligad. Along with this, traffic has also stopped due to debris on National Highway 507 (NH-507) near Lakhwar Dam waterfall in Dehradun. More than 69 rural and link roads across the state are completely blocked due to debris, to open which PWD and National Highway Authority’s Poklane and JCB machines are working 24 hours. In view of the increasing dangers of landslides, Chardham pilgrims have been asked to be extremely cautious.

Silt and water level increased in rivers, flash flood alert issued

The Flash Flood Guidance Cell of the Meteorological Department has warned that the soil in the areas of Uttarakhand where it has been raining continuously for the last few days has become completely saturated (wet). In such a situation, the water due to heavy rains will flow directly into the rivers instead of soaking into the ground, which can cause sudden devastating floods (surface runoff). The flow of water in major rivers like Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Tawi and Chenab as well as in local streams (rivers and drains) has become extremely fast. Apart from this, flood monitoring has also been increased in the plains due to release of water from dams and barrages. Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit has also postponed the weekly ‘Public Hearing’ program to be held on Monday so that the entire administrative staff can remain alert in the field.

Guidelines of Disaster Management Department: What should tourists and local people do?

State Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman has instructed all the District Magistrates and Quick Response Teams (QRT) to remain on active mode 24 hours. Rescue teams have been deployed on sensitive and landslide prone routes. The administration has made a special appeal to the general public, local residents and pilgrims visiting Chardham Yatra:

• Avoid unnecessary travel: Completely avoid traveling towards the mountains without getting updates on the weather and road conditions.

• Do not go to the banks of rivers: Do not go for selfies or stroll near rivers, waterfalls and rain drains, as the water level may suddenly rise by several feet.

• Take shelter in safe places: People living in mud houses and those who are highly vulnerable to landslides should immediately move to safe shelters created by the administration.