Uttrakhand fighting forest fires and flash floods at same time

Uttarakhand has been grappling with a series of natural calamities including forest fires, flash floods, cloudbursts, and hailstorms. In Uttarkashi District, forest fires akin to flash floods have posed challenges, worsened by the first heavy rainfall of the year which has led to blocked roads and water entering homes.

Uttarkashi District in Uttarakhand is currently facing conditions similar to flash floods. Witness nature's own firefighting team in action, combating forest fires.#StaySafe #Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/fEg61Qj5PO

— Dr. PM Dhakate (@paragenetics) May 8, 2024

Almora and Bageshwar experienced cloudbursts, while Purola in Uttarkashi faced a hailstorm, leading to flood-like conditions in some areas. The IMD forecasts light to moderate rainfall in various Uttarakhand regions on May 13. 

Heavy rainfall in the Bageshwar district led to traffic jams along the Kapkot-Bageshwar road, with numerous individuals stranded while attempting to navigate a swollen stream. Similarly, vehicular movement came to a halt in a market close to the Purola Hudoli ravine in Uttarkashi district.

A situation resembling a cloudburst has unfolded in Kapkot, Bageshwar District, Uttarakhand. The entire region is experiencing widespread flash floods and heavy rainfall. We earnestly request everyone to prioritize safety and offer assistance to those in need.… pic.twitter.com/zYT2CRqc7F

— Dr. PM Dhakate (@paragenetics) May 8, 2024

Many homes were damaged by water seeping into small and large landholdings. Farmers in Pithoragarh have also urged the government for compensation following hailstorm damage. In parts of the Kumaon region, including Almora district, rainfall helped extinguish forest fires.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court criticized the Uttarakhand government during a hearing on forest fires in the state. The court emphasized that relying solely on rain and cloud seeding is insufficient to control the fires.

In the past week, the number of active fires in Uttarakhand has surged. Satellites recorded over 1,000 active fires on May 5 and May 6, marking the highest count this season. Additionally, a concerning trend has emerged: fires are now occurring at higher elevations in the state. In early April, the maximum elevation where fires were detected was 2,409 meters above sea level, whereas by the week ending May 5, this had risen to 3,383 meters, indicating a nearly one-kilometer increase.