IMD issues red alert for Uttarakhand, heavy rain expected, residents told to be alert

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand. As per the weather department, the state capital, Dehradun is expected to receive heavy rainfall for the next 24 hours.

Water logging could affect a large number of areas in Dehradun, the Met department said, warning tourists that they should not travel to Uttarakhand for the time being. 

A red alert by the IMD indicates 'extremely heavy' rainfall amounting to over 200 mm of rain over a period of 24 hours. The red alert also signifies 'warning' and is meant to direct authorities to 'take action' to prevent or deal with any eventualities.

Authorities have also put Himachal Pradesh on alert, after 10 people went missing due to flash floods triggered by incessant rain in the state.

Also watch: Himachal flash floods: 4 dead & 9 missing, mother-son washed away

According to state govt authorities, one person died and nine went missing in flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, while another man was reported missing from the Chamba district.