Dehradun, 18 August (H.S.):

The monsoon remained active across Uttarakhand, with several parts of the state receiving heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours. Narendra Nagar recorded the highest rainfall at 265 mm. Water levels in several rivers have also risen, with the Ganga flowing above the danger mark in Rishikesh. The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri and Udham Singh Nagar districts.

Rainfall that began across the state, including the capital Dehradun, on Monday continued through Tuesday. Several areas experienced intermittent showers, while thick, dark clouds remained over the region and temperatures stayed relatively cool. Persistent rainfall has increased the risk of landslides, road blockages and rising water levels in rivers and streams across the hilly areas.

The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and showers in most parts of the state. Isolated areas of Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri and Udham Singh Nagar are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with lightning and spells of intense to extremely intense rain. Heavy rainfall is also possible at isolated locations in other districts.

According to the daily water-level and flood forecast report issued by the Himalayan Ganga Division of the Central Water Commission, the Ganga was flowing at 339.65 metres in Rishikesh at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, 0.15 metres above the warning level of 339.50 metres.

In Haridwar, the Ganga stood at 292.74 metres, which was 0.26 metres below the warning level of 293 metres. The water level there was also rising. A discharge of 110,994 cusecs of water was recorded into the Ganga from the Bhimgoda Barrage.

According to the report, the water level of the Kali River at Dharchula stood at 888.90 metres, against the warning level of 889 metres, and was continuing to rise. The water level of the Gauri River at Jauljibi was recorded at 605.30 metres, while the Saryu River in Pithoragarh stood at 450 metres.

The Alaknanda River at the confluence point in Rudraprayag was flowing at 621.78 metres, below the danger mark of 624.70 metres. Its water level at Srinagar was recorded at 533.80 metres. The Pindar River stood at 1,264.37 metres at Nandkesari and 769.54 metres at Karnaprayag.

The Bhagirathi River was recorded at 1,120.50 metres in Uttarkashi, 541.50 metres at Koteshwar and 461.50 metres at Devprayag. The Mandakini River at Rudraprayag stood at 624.90 metres, close to its warning level of 625 metres.

The report said that Rishikesh received 223.1 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours, followed by Haridwar with 71.8 mm, Nandkesari with 60.6 mm, Marora with 50.8 mm and the Dharchula area along the Kali River with 41.20 mm.

For flood forecasting, the Central Water Commission has identified Srinagar, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Ramnagar as key monitoring locations. A discharge of 105,591 cusecs was recorded from the Veerbhadra Barrage in Rishikesh, while the Kosi Barrage at Ramnagar recorded a discharge of 7,559 cusecs.

According to the department, rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in 24 hours is classified as extremely heavy, rainfall between 115.5 mm and 204.4 mm as very heavy, and rainfall between 64.4 mm and 115.5 mm as heavy. The Meteorological Department has urged people living in vulnerable areas to remain alert and avoid venturing into open spaces during lightning. The administration and disaster-management authorities have also been advised to maintain heightened vigilance in vulnerable areas.

According to the Meteorological Department, manual rain-gauge observations between 8:30 a.m. on August 17 and 8:30 a.m. on August 18 recorded 170 mm of rainfall in Kashipur, 100 mm in Jasur, 89 mm in Kotdwar, 75 mm in Yamkeshwar, 72.4 mm in Jolly Grant and 70.6 mm in Dehradun. Mussoorie received 65.5 mm, Kirtinagar 65 mm, Purola 60 mm, Sama 56 mm and Pauri 54 mm.

Data from automatic weather stations showed 174 mm of rainfall in Yamkeshwar, 141 mm in Kotdwar, 131 mm in Ramnagar, 120.5 mm at Sahastradhara ITI, 119.5 mm at Hathibarkala and 114 mm at Maldevta. Kashipur recorded 111.5 mm, Kaladhungi 83.5 mm, Syunsi 78 mm and Gularbhoj 71.5 mm.

Meanwhile, six students of the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) who became stranded near the Swarna River amid heavy rainfall in Dehradun district were safely rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) after the team trekked nearly six kilometres to reach them.

Officials said the six university students had gone trekking near the Swarna River in the Than village area of Misras Patti when heavy rainfall caused the river's water level to rise, leaving them stranded.

After receiving information about the incident, an SDRF team immediately moved to the location. Despite difficult and challenging terrain, the personnel trekked nearly six kilometres on foot before reaching the students and bringing them to safety. All six students were taken to a secure location. No casualties were reported in the incident.

Officials have appealed to people to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams and vulnerable hilly areas during rainfall and to strictly follow advisories issued by the local administration and disaster-management authorities.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar