Persistent heavy rainfall across both mountainous terrains and flat plains has brought routine life to a crawl in northern India. Continuous downpours in numerous areas of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have caused significant waterlogging on key roads and arterial intersections. Recognizing the risks posed by flooded thoroughfares and harsh weather conditions, local administrative bodies have taken prompt protective action. To ensure the physical safety of young children, authorities have declared school holidays in districts including Chamoli and Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, as well as Prayagraj and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.
Orange Alert in Uttarakhand Hilly Belts: Schools Closed in Chamoli and Bageshwar
Relentless atmospheric activity has impacted several hilly districts across Uttarakhand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Dehradun, Chamoli, and Bageshwar districts, while placing the remaining parts of the state under a Yellow Alert. Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman stated that all educational institutions up to Class 12 in Chamoli and Bageshwar have been closed due to the heightened threat of localized flooding and rockslides. Assessing the vulnerability of mountain routes, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed administrative officers to remain on high alert and immediately evacuate residents from prone areas to safer shelters whenever necessary.
72 Hours of Continuous Rain in Prayagraj: Flooded Roads and Shift to Online Classes
In Uttar Pradesh, the city of Prayagraj has experienced continuous and heavy spells of rain over the last 72 hours. Water accumulation at key roundabouts and residential lanes has severely crippled traffic and made daily commute hazardous. Taking note of the ground situation, Basic Education Officer (BSA) Anil Kumar announced a holiday for all government basic schools. Simultaneously, several major private schools in Prayagraj have transitioned to online classes or suspended attendance to safeguard students from waterlogged streets.
Sachet App Issued Warnings: Severe Downpour Forecast for 7 UP Districts
The Uttar Pradesh state administration dispatched emergency safety notifications to citizens via the Sachet app, advising heightened vigilance. The warning predicts strong winds, lightning strikes, and intense precipitation across Prayagraj and adjacent territories. Alongside Prayagraj, the weather department has extended the Orange Alert to six neighboring districts: Bhadohi, Kaushambi, Chitrakoot, Jaunpur, Mirzapur, and Pratapgarh. Emergency response services remain positioned to handle any sudden weather-related incidents.
Dual Factor of Rain and Kanwar Yatra: Extended School Holidays in Western UP
In western Uttar Pradesh, school schedules have been adjusted not only for heavy rains but also to facilitate the smooth passage of the annual Kanwar Yatra procession. To keep traffic clear and safeguard pilgrims, administrative orders have closed schools in Meerut from August 3 to August 10, in Ghaziabad from August 4 to August 12, and in Muzaffarnagar from August 3 to August 10. Furthermore, authorities in Bareilly have mandated school closures on every Monday during the holy month of Sawan. Officials have urged the public to avoid non-essential travel amidst ongoing downpours and seasonal traffic restrictions.
