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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.