Uttarakhand cloudburst: Rain alert forces school closures across four districts

Time of India

18 hours ago

Amid an escalating monsoon threat, authorities in Uttarakhand on Tuesday ordered the closure of all schools from Classes 1 to 12 and Anganwadi centres in four districts, Almora, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag, following a heavy rainfall warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The emergency measure, announced early Tuesday morning, aims to safeguard students as relentless downpours lash parts of the hill state, heightening fears of flash floods, landslides, and infrastructural disruptions.
Schools shut as IMD sounds alarm
Officials stated the closure is temporary but necessary, citing IMD's alert forecasting 'heavy to very heavy rainfall' in isolated places across the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. "Student safety is paramount.
Classes will remain suspended until conditions improve," a Chamoli district official told reporters.
The decision follows recent incidents of road blockages, minor landslides, and increasing vulnerability in hilly terrain. District administrations have also asked school managements to ensure staff and students remain informed of further advisories.
Haridwar hit by waterlogging; Ganga rising
While the hills brace for further downpours, the plains are already bearing the brunt.
In Haridwar, intense rainfall on Tuesday led to severe waterlogging in multiple localities. With the water level of the Ganga River rising steadily, Haridwar Police have urged residents and pilgrims to stay away from river ghats.
"The situation is being closely monitored. People should avoid unnecessary movement near the riverbanks," police officials said.
Boulder disrupts train services near Haridwar
Adding to the cascading impact of the rains, Northern Railways reported that a boulder fell on the tracks between Haridwar and Motichur on the Haridwar-Dehradun route.
Fortunately, a protective canopy prevented any serious damage.
'No injury or casualty has occurred. Our restoration teams are on-site and working to clear the obstruction,' the railways said in a statement. Three trains—12369 and 12370 Kumbh Express (Howrah-Dehradun) and 12055 Jan Shatabdi Express—were short-terminated at Haridwar due to the disruption.
Authorities on high alert
With saturated soil, surging rivers, and fragile slopes, officials remain on high alert. SDRF teams have been deployed to vulnerable locations, and emergency helplines have been activated. Residents are advised to remain indoors and follow official guidance.
While school closures may be lifted once the alert subsides, education authorities confirmed that compensatory academic measures will be considered if the disruption extends beyond this week.
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