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As rain continues to lash Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, the water levels of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers have risen, prompting the district administration to remain on high alert.
Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Department, in an announcement, urged people to stay away from riverbanks and remain in safe locations. The district administration has also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and strictly follow the advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Nandan Singh Rajwar said, "According to the weather department's forecast, there has been significant rainfall in the high Himalayan regions such as Chamoli and Kedarnath, affecting the rivers in Rudraprayag, including the Mandakini River. The water level of the Mandakini River has been measured below the warning level, but if it rises excessively and crosses the warning level, local municipal authorities, police, and disaster management teams actively alert the public and issue ultimatums to avoid the river banks. Continuous monitoring of the river banks is also being maintained." In Uttarakhand, intermittent rainfall continues across the state; the IMD on Thursday issued Orange alert in Dehradun, Chamoli and Bageshwar and yellow alert in Haridwar, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Pauri, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital and Rudraprayag districts of Uttarakhand. Meawhile, in view of the continuous rainfall across Uttarakhand and the weather warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the coming days, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke over the phone this morning with Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, to review the situation across various districts of the state. The Chief Minister directed all disaster management and relief agencies to remain on high alert and ensure complete preparedness to deal effectively with any emergency situation. He instructed the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), district administrations, police, fire services, health department, and all other concerned departments to work in close coordination and initiate relief and rescue operations without delay whenever required. He further directed that vulnerable areas be monitored continuously, river and stream water levels be closely tracked, and immediate evacuation measures be taken wherever necessary to ensure the safety of residents. The Chief Minister also instructed all District Magistrates to keep the District Emergency Operation Centres functional round the clock and ensure prompt action in response to every incident. He emphasized that preventing any loss of life is the government's highest priority and directed all officials to discharge their responsibilities with utmost alertness, efficiency, and sensitivity. Secretary, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Vinod Kumar Suman, informed that the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places, accompanied by lightning and strong winds. In view of the forecast, all concerned departments have been placed on alert, and the State Emergency Operation Centre is continuously monitoring the situation across Uttarakhand. The Secretary appealed to residents and tourists visiting the state to take the weather warnings seriously and remain cautious, vigilant, and alert. He advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and undertake journeys only if absolutely essential. Travelers have also been urged to check the latest weather forecast and road conditions before commencing their journey. (ANI)
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