Heavy Rainfall Continues in Uttarakhand; Schools Shut in 5 Districts for Safety

Heavy Rainfall Continues in Uttarakhand; Schools Remain Shut in 5 Districts

Uttarakhand is currently facing relentless heavy rainfall, causing major disruptions in daily life and prompting emergency safety measures. As of 22 July 2025, the state government has ordered closure of schools in five districts due to waterlogging, landslides, and risk of flooding.

The affected districts include Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag, where intense rainfall has continued for the last 48 hours.

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Red Alert Issued by IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in many regions of Uttarakhand. The alert is particularly focused on the hilly and vulnerable zones prone to landslides and flash floods.

Residents have been advised to stay indoors, avoid riverbanks, and refrain from traveling unless absolutely necessary. The authorities have also kept disaster response teams on standby.

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School Closures and Safety Measures

The district magistrates of the five affected regions have issued orders for temporary school closures to ensure the safety of students and teachers. Both government and private schools will remain closed until further notice.

• Online classes may resume where possible
• Parents have been advised to keep children indoors
• School transportation has been suspended

The education department is closely monitoring the weather situation and will review reopening decisions based on IMD updates.

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Impact on Roads and Transport

Due to the persistent downpour, several roads and highways in hilly areas have become slippery and dangerous, with reports of landslides blocking routes like:

• Badrinath Highway near Chamoli
• Kedarnath route disrupted due to falling debris
• Local roads flooded in Nainital town

Transport departments have advised halting or rerouting long-distance buses and tourist vehicles for now.

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Relief and Rescue Operations

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in critical areas. They are equipped with boats, rescue kits, and first aid supplies.

Temporary relief camps have been set up in lower-lying areas to help people displaced due to waterlogging or home damage.

The administration has requested tourists and pilgrims to postpone travel plans until the weather situation stabilizes.

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Final Word: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

As Uttarakhand continues to receive heavy rainfall, it is important for residents to remain alert and follow government advisories strictly. The next 48 hours are crucial, and authorities are doing their best to prevent any major disaster.

For real-time updates, people are encouraged to follow local news channels, weather bulletins, and official government handles.

Let’s prioritize safety and act responsibly during this challenging time.