Uttarakhand Issues Avalanche Advisory for Five Hill Districts Following Fresh Snowfall
An avalanche advisory has been officially issued for five hill districts in Uttarakhand on Sunday, following a fresh spell of snowfall in the state's higher reaches. Meanwhile, the foothills, including Dehradun, experienced intermittent rainfall throughout the day, adding to the weather-related concerns across the region.
District-Specific Danger Levels and Avalanche Risks
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) has categorised the districts based on the severity of avalanche threats. Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag have been placed under Danger Level-2, indicating a significantly higher likelihood of avalanches occurring in vulnerable zones. In contrast, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar are under Danger Level-1, which still warrants caution but with a relatively lower immediate risk. This advisory is set to remain in force until 5 pm on Monday, as authorities closely monitor the evolving situation.
Forecast and Official Warnings from SEOC and DGRE
The advisory was issued by the SEOC based on a detailed forecast provided by the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) in Chandigarh. Officials from SEOC have emphasized that the heavy snowfall in the upper reaches could substantially increase avalanche risks, particularly in areas with a historical predisposition to such natural disasters. This warning follows the season's first snowfall on January 23, which brought much-needed relief after a record dry spell that extended through December and most of January.
Safety Measures and Precautions for Residents and Travellers
In response to the heightened risks, residents have been strongly advised to take several precautionary measures:
- Avoid unnecessary movement in snow-bound areas to minimize exposure to potential avalanches.
- Stay updated on the latest weather conditions through official channels and local announcements.
- Regularly clear snow from rooftops of houses, temporary shelters, and cattle sheds to prevent structural damage and accidents.
- Those temporarily residing in areas receiving heavy snowfall are urged to relocate to safer, lower locations over the next few days as a preventive step.
District administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert and ensure that the advisory is widely disseminated among local communities, trekkers, and travellers. Authorities have confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored, and district disaster management units have been directed to remain prepared for any emergencies arising from the changing weather conditions.
Background and Recent Avalanche Warnings in Uttarakhand
Notably, since the initial snowfall on January 23, DGRE has issued multiple avalanche warnings for Uttarakhand, alerting authorities to the increased risk in several high-altitude and avalanche-prone zones. Another avalanche warning was issued on January 27 after the upper reaches of the state witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall, further heightening concerns over snow accumulation and slope instability in vulnerable areas. This pattern underscores the ongoing challenges posed by winter weather in the Himalayan region, necessitating continuous vigilance and preparedness from both officials and residents alike.
