Nilanjan
Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, is facing a severe weather situation as the monsoon season continues to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The district administration has issued a red alert for August 13 and 14, 2023, warning of very intense to very intense rainfall and possible landslides in sensitive areas.
As a precautionary measure, all educational institutions and Anganwadi centers in the district will remain closed on August 14, 2023.
Why is Dehradun under red alert?
According to the weather forecast issued by Dehradun on August 13, 2023, the district is expected to receive very heavy rainfall ranging from 115.6 mm to 204.4 mm per day on August 13 and 14, 2023. This is accompanied by thunder and lightning, which can pose a risk of electrocution and fire accidents. The heavy rainfall can also cause flash floods, waterlogging, soil erosion, and landslides in hilly areas. These can damage roads, bridges, buildings, crops, and other infrastructure, as well as endanger lives and property.
How is the district administration prepared for the situation?
The district administration has taken several steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Dehradun. These include:
- Declaring a one-day holiday on August 14, 2023, in all educational institutions and Anganwadi centers operating from class 01 to 12 of the district. This is to avoid any inconvenience or risk for students, teachers, and staff who have to commute in adverse weather conditions.
- Directing the Chief Education Officer Dehradun and District Program Officer Dehradun to ensure compliance of the above order in all the above mentioned educational institutions and Anganwadi centers.
- Deploying disaster response teams and equipment in vulnerable areas to deal with any emergency situation.
- Advising people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during the red alert period.
- Issuing helpline numbers for people to contact in case of any distress or assistance.
What can you do to stay safe and help others?
As a responsible citizen, you can also contribute to the disaster management efforts by following some simple tips:
- Stay updated with the latest weather information and alerts from reliable sources such as news channels, radio stations, social media platforms, etc.
- Keep your mobile phones charged and carry a power bank or torch if possible.
- Avoid going near rivers, streams, drains, or low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
- Do not touch any electrical wires or appliances that may have been damaged by lightning or water.
- Keep some essential items such as food, water, medicines, first aid kit, etc. handy in case of an emergency.
- If you live in a hilly area or near a slope, watch out for any signs of landslides such as cracks, bulges, or debris on the ground. Move to a safer place if you notice any such signs.
- If you witness any incident of landslide, flood, fire, or any other disaster, report it immediately to the nearest authorities or call the helpline numbers.
- Help your neighbors and community members who may need your assistance or support during this difficult time.
Conclusion
Dehradun is facing a challenging situation due to the heavy rain alert issued by the district administration. However, with proper preparedness and cooperation from all stakeholders, we can overcome this challenge and minimize the loss and damage caused by the natural calamity. Let us all pray for the safety and well-being of everyone in Dehradun and hope for better weather conditions soon.
