By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Dehradun: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Dehradun, has forecast an intensification of monsoon activity across Uttarakhand over the next two days, with several districts likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and spells of intense rain, an official statement said.
The weather department has issued an orange alert for August 9 in Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Chamoli, while Dehradun, Bageshwar, Nainital and Champawat have been placed under orange alert for August 10, it said.
On August 9, heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Nainital and Champawat, while thunderstorms and lightning are likely in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar. A yellow alert has been issued for these areas. Other mountainous districts may also witness intense showers and lightning.
For August 10, the IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and spells of extremely intense rain in Dehradun, Bageshwar, Nainital and Champawat. A yellow alert has been issued for Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Tehri, Pauri, Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar for isolated heavy rainfall.
In view of the forecast, Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman has directed all concerned districts and departments to remain on 24×7 alert and ensure the availability of essential rescue equipment and resources.
Officials have also been instructed to immediately clear roads in case of blockages and ensure that personnel remain reachable on mobile phones throughout the period. Any disaster-related incident is to be promptly reported to the concerned authorities and the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC).
Suman urged residents and tourists to take the weather warnings seriously and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain. People have been advised to stay away from rivers, streams, seasonal drains and other water channels, and not attempt to cross flooded areas or vulnerable bridges.
Tourists and commuters in the hills have also been cautioned about landslides and falling rocks, with authorities advising people to postpone travel wherever possible if weather conditions deteriorate.