Dehradun schools shut amid orange alert for Uttarakhand; major disruptions in Himachal

Uttarakhand landslide

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange' alert for heavy rainfall in six districts of Uttarakhand, warning of potential hazards as persistent monsoon showers pound the northern region of India. According to a IndiaTV report, the latest forecast includes fresh advisories for Dehradun, where all schools have been closed amidst concerns of student safety.

The State Emergency Operations Centre stated that the IMD has also cautioned about lightning and gusty winds expected across parts of Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar. Letters have been dispatched to district magistrates, asking them to "remain on alert and take necessary precautions", as cited by IndiaTV.

An orange alert remains in place for heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast for July 22 in both Dehradun and Uttarkashi, raising worries about further impact on hill-state infrastructure and daily life. Meanwhile, spillover from the monsoon system has led to severe disruption in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, where relentless rain and flash floods have drastically affected public life. The latest figures released by the State Emergency Operation Centre and highlighted by IndiaTV show that 142 roads are currently blocked, along with 40 water supply schemes out of operation and 26 power distribution transformers out of service.

Critical districts include Mandi, which alone accounts for 91 blocked roads and Kullu with 33 major closures. Notably, power supply in areas such as Gohar and Bhabanagar has been heavily impacted due to damaged transformers, an immediate consequence of the heavy downpour.

Water supply remains erratic in Mandi, Kullu and Sirmaur districts following reports of flooding and sediment accumulation in supply channels. Authorities have managed temporary repairs for some systems, although full-scale restoration is yet to be achieved.

Official data compiled to date provides a grim picture: 166 deaths in Himachal Pradesh as a consequence of various incidents, including 132 attributed directly to rain-related events and 34 resulting from road accidents, according to IndiaTV.

Throughout, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has been operating "round-the-clock", coordinating with district officials for ongoing relief and restoration efforts. Relief operations continue as authorities urge the public to exercise caution and adhere to all advisories.