DEHRADUN: Authorities on Sunday issued an avalanche advisory for five hill districts following fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of the state, while the foothill regions, including Dehradun, experienced intermittent rainfall throughout the day.
Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Rudraprayag were placed under Danger Level-2, indicating an increased risk of avalanches in vulnerable areas. Pithoragarh and Bageshwar were classified under Danger Level-1. The warning will remain in effect until 5 pm on Monday.
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) issued the advisory based on a forecast from the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), Chandigarh. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel in snow-bound regions, stay informed about weather updates, and regularly remove snow from rooftops of homes, temporary shelters and cattle sheds.
People temporarily living in areas receiving heavy snowfall have been urged to shift to safer, lower-altitude locations over the next few days. District administrations have been directed to remain vigilant and ensure that the advisory reaches local communities, trekkers and travellers.
Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and disaster management units have been instructed to stay prepared for any emergency arising from changing weather conditions.
It is noteworthy that the higher Himalayan regions of the state received the season’s first snowfall on January 23, bringing relief after a prolonged dry spell that lasted through December and most of January. Since then, DGRE has issued multiple avalanche alerts for Uttarakhand, warning of heightened risks in high-altitude and avalanche-prone zones.
A similar advisory was also issued on January 27 following another round of snowfall in the upper reaches, further intensifying concerns over snow accumulation and slope instability in vulnerable areas.
