The Rudraprayag district administration has intensified monitoring of river water levels following continuous rainfall in the upper Himalayan region, with authorities activating disaster preparedness measures as the water level nears the warning mark.
District Disaster Management Officer (DDMO) Nandan Singh Rajwar said the water level currently stands at 622 metres above sea level, while the warning level is 626 metres and the danger level is 627 metres.
He said that once the water level approaches the warning mark, alerts will be disseminated through WhatsApp groups, public announcements will be made using vehicles, and ground teams will be deployed to warn residents in vulnerable areas.
“The water level in the region has reached 622 metres due to rainfall in the upper Himalayan areas. The warning level is 626 metres above sea level, and the danger level is 627 metres. When the water level approaches the warning level, alerts are sent via WhatsApp groups, announcements are made using vehicles, and personnel are deployed on the ground to warn people,” Rajwar said.
Continuous rainfall has led to a rise in the water levels of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, prompting the district administration to step up surveillance.
Officials said the Alaknanda River’s water level increased from 622 metres above sea level on Tuesday to 622.5 metres on Wednesday following persistent rainfall since Wednesday morning. They cautioned that continued rainfall over the next few days could cause water levels in both rivers to rise further and approach the danger mark.
The District Disaster Control Room is closely monitoring the situation, while the administration has urged residents living along riverbanks and pilgrims to remain vigilant and avoid visiting riverbanks or other vulnerable locations unless necessary.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Dehradun has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Rudraprayag district for the next four days, until July 4. The district administration has appealed to residents to exercise caution in view of the forecast.
(With ANI inputs)
