Uttarakhand School Closures: Heavy Rainfall Prompts Safety Measures Across Multiple Districts

Dehradun, August 7, 2025 – The Uttarakhand government has announced the closure of all schools from Classes 1 to 12 and Anganwadi centres in several districts due to a severe weather warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The closures, effective from August 4 to August 7, 2025, aim to ensure the safety of students and staff amid forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides across the state.

Affected Districts and Closure Details

The IMD issued an orange alert for intense rainfall in Dehradun, Nainital, Champawat, Bageshwar, Pauri Garhwal, and Udham Singh Nagar, prompting the closure of schools and Anganwadi centres in these districts on August 4 and 5. Additionally, Almora, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi saw closures on August 6 and 7 due to a red alert for extreme weather conditions. The Champawat, Pauri, and Udham Singh Nagar districts also extended closures to August 6, as confirmed by the Uttarakhand Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).

In Chamoli, Additional District Magistrate Vivek Prakash cited the high likelihood of heavy rainfall on August 6, leading to a district-wide school holiday. Rudraprayag and several Kumaon region districts followed suit, prioritizing student safety due to potential road blockages and landslides.

Weather Conditions and Impact

The IMD’s forecast warns of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, particularly in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. Recent incidents, including a cloudburst in Uttarkashi and landslides blocking over 100 roads statewide, have heightened concerns. The Kedarnath Yatra faced disruptions due to a landslide near Sonprayag, and Haridwar reported severe waterlogging with rising Ganga River levels.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a virtual meeting with district magistrates to assess preparedness, urging heightened vigilance and the deployment of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to vulnerable areas. Emergency helplines have been activated, and residents are advised to avoid rivers and landslide-prone zones.

Official Statements and Precautionary Measures

Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal emphasized the risk of landslides in sensitive areas, stating, “In view of the moderate to heavy rainfall currently occurring across the district, the possibility of landslides increases in sensitive places. Due to which any kind of unpleasant incident can occur.” A Chamoli district official echoed this sentiment, noting, “Student safety is paramount. Classes will remain suspended until conditions improve.”

The Uttarkashi administration has also issued loudspeaker announcements urging residents in low-lying areas to avoid riverbanks. Authorities have advised parents and students to stay updated via school WhatsApp groups and official websites for further announcements.

Compensatory Measures and Future Outlook

Education officials have indicated that compensatory academic measures, such as extended class hours or additional assignments, may be implemented if closures extend beyond the current week. The state education department is closely monitoring the situation, with potential updates expected as weather conditions evolve.

The IMD predicts heavy rainfall may continue until August 10 in some hilly areas, though Dehradun is expected to see clearer skies soon. Parents and students are encouraged to follow official advisories from the Uttarakhand Education Department and local district administrations for the latest updates on school reopenings.

---