Uttarakhand Issues 24-Hour Avalanche Warning for Higher Reaches
Authorities in Uttarakhand have declared a critical avalanche warning for the state's higher mountainous regions, effective for 24 hours starting from 5 PM on Saturday. This precautionary measure has prompted disaster management officials to place several vulnerable districts on high alert while implementing restrictions on movement in sensitive high-altitude zones.
Tourists and Residents Urged to Avoid Unnecessary Travel
The state disaster management department has strongly advised tourists, trekkers, and local residents to refrain from unnecessary travel to avalanche-prone areas. This advisory comes as part of comprehensive safety measures designed to prevent potential casualties and ensure public safety during this period of heightened risk.
DGRE Issues Avalanche Warning Bulletin
The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) based in Chandigarh has released an Avalanche Warning Bulletin (AWB) identifying partially unstable snow conditions across Uttarakhand's higher elevations. The bulletin specifically warns about possible natural avalanches occurring at various locations, with different danger levels assigned to specific districts based on elevation and snow stability assessments.
District-Specific Danger Levels Detailed
Avalanche Danger Level 2 (Yellow) has been marked for areas above 2,800 metres in four districts: Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar. This indicates a moderate risk where natural avalanches are possible but typically smaller in scale.
Avalanche Danger Level 3 (Orange) represents a higher warning level specifically for Chamoli district, applicable to regions above 3,000 metres. This classification suggests medium-sized avalanches are considered likely, requiring enhanced precautions and restricted access.
State Disaster Management Department Activates Emergency Protocols
The Uttarakhand disaster management department has placed all identified districts on alert status and directed local officials to strictly regulate movement in high-altitude zones. District administrations have received specific instructions to maintain rescue teams and resources on standby, increase awareness campaigns among tourists and local communities, and ensure field-level preparedness for potential emergency situations.
Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, urging trekkers, shepherds, residents, and travelers to strictly avoid avalanche-prone areas and follow all safety advisories issued by district authorities. "The state government is continuously monitoring the situation, and further action will be ensured as required based on information received from DGRE and the Meteorological Department," Suman stated during a review of the situation from the State Emergency Operations Centre.
Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Measures Implemented
The state disaster management department has implemented a comprehensive emergency response plan that includes:
- 24x7 alert mode for all relevant officials
- Streamlining of essential public services
- Priority restoration of closed roads, power supply, and water access in affected areas
- Full deployment of road-clearing machinery where snowfall has disrupted movement
- Maintenance of emergency manpower and equipment in ready state
- Real-time information sharing between districts and the State Emergency Operations Centre
Suman appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow administrative guidelines. He emphasized that residents should immediately contact district administration or emergency services in case of any incident related to avalanche conditions or weather-related emergencies.
Weather Conditions Prompting the Warning
The avalanche warning comes in response to prevailing weather conditions across several regions of Uttarakhand, including significant rainfall, snowfall, and fog. These conditions have contributed to the unstable snowpack in higher elevations, increasing the likelihood of avalanche activity. The state government is coordinating closely with meteorological authorities to monitor weather patterns and adjust safety measures accordingly.
