Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) [India], October 30 (ANI): Kedarnath Dham witnessed the season's first heavy snowfall following continuous snowfall since Thursday (October 29), blanketing the surrounding hills in a thick sheet of snow and causing a significant drop in temperatures.
The snowfall has transformed the surrounding mountainous region into a white landscape, while temperatures in Kedarnath have plummeted amid the changing weather conditions.
Dr CS Tomar, Director of the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, said Uttarakhand is likely to witness continued rainfall activity over the next few days, particularly in the hilly districts, with light to moderate showers expected at several places and isolated rainfall likely in the northern hill districts.
Speaking to ANI, he said, “Yesterday on the 29th... according to the report we received this morning, heavy rainfall was also recorded at 8 to 9 places across the state, especially in the districts of Uttarkashi, Tehri, and Haridwar. So, mostly light to moderate rainfall was observed at many locations yesterday. We are expecting similar conditions today as well. Particularly in the Kumaon region, there are higher chances of weather activity today, so light to moderate rain is likely to occur at several places there.”
He further said that rainfall activity is expected to gradually decrease, although light precipitation may continue at isolated locations, particularly in the northern hilly districts, on October 31 and November 1 and 2.
“Tomorrow, on the 31st, chances of light to very light rain will persist, especially in the hilly districts. Similarly, on the 1st and 2nd [of next month], light to very light rain may be witnessed at isolated places, particularly in our northern hilly districts,” he added.
Meanwhile, in view of the Meteorological Department's forecast of rain and snowfall in the region, the district administration has been placed on high alert to ensure the safety of pilgrims and commuters.
On Thursday, District Magistrate Prashant Arya directed the activation of the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) in alert mode to continuously monitor weather conditions and oversee precautionary measures.
Through the DEOC, real-time weather updates and related information are being gathered from various tehsils across the district.
Additionally, authorities are keeping a close watch on road conditions as well as Shri Gangotri and Shri Yamunotri Dham via live CCTV cameras to ensure prompt and appropriate action can be taken if required.
The district administration has also appealed to devotees and pilgrims to take necessary precautions against the cold and strictly follow the advisories and guidelines issued by the administration and police in view of the prevailing weather conditions. (ANI)
Kedarnath Dham receives season's first heavy snowfall; temperatures plummet
