The Meteorological Department has issued an ‘Orange Alert’ for the districts of Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, and Chamoli in Uttarakhand for October 30, due to the likelihood of lightning, hailstorms, gusty winds (40–50 km/h), and heavy rainfall.
Following directives from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman held a meeting with officials and instructed them to remain on high alert. He emphasized the need for extra vigilance along the Char Dham Yatra routes and in the high-altitude Himalayan regions, directed that pilgrims be moved to safe locations during adverse weather, and instructed the PWD, NH (National Highways), and BRO (Border Roads Organisation) to keep their machinery ready.
Furthermore, instructions were issued to promptly submit proposals to the government for providing assistance—through the ‘Chief Minister’s Relief Fund’—to those affected by hailstorms, as well as for reconstruction efforts. During the meeting, it was also requested that a proposal be submitted soon for the installation of safety netting in the Chidbasa area to protect against falling rocks. The public has been urged to contact the toll-free number 1070 in case of an emergency.
