Uttarakhand Government Sounds Rain Alert

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has sounded an alert following the weather department's warning of heavy rains in several areas, including the routes of the Chardham Yatra.

Uttarakhand Disaster Management and Mitigation Centre has forcast heavy rains in several areas of the state for two days starting today evening.

Places like Pauri Gharwal, Almoda, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar are expected to receive 160 mm of rainfall. Administration authorities have been asked to remain vigilant to prevent loss of life or property in case of heavy downpour, chief minister's media in-charge Surendra Kumar said.

The officials of Chamauli, Rudraprayag Tehri, Paudi and Uttarkashi districts have been directed to take necessary measures to ensure safety of the pilgrims, Mr Kumar said.

Torrential rains and floods in June 2013 had claimed thousands of lives and caused huge devastation in the state.