INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
DEHRADUN: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a fresh spell of heavy snow and rainfall in Uttarakhand, including the
disaster-affected Chamoli district, between January 23 and 27, raising concern for land subsidence-affected Joshimath
According to regional meteorological centre officials, Auli (located 12km ahead of Joshimath) is likely to receive heavy snowfall (4-6 ft)
while Joshimath might receive rainfall up to 150mm cumulatively through the five days of the predicted spell
"A strong weather system is going to impact the weather of Uttarakhand between January 23 and 27
Moderate to heavy snowfall could occur in the higher reaches, while the low-lying areas including foothills will receive rainfall," said
Bikram Singh, director of the regional meteorological centre
Singh added, "Auli could receive snowfall continuously from January 24 onwards
The ski resort town might see 4-6 ft snowfall
Joshimath town could receive 150mm rainfall cumulatively in those five days." Experts believe that besides adding to the woes of the
residents of Joshimath who are already facing displacement, the incessant rainfall might also increase the rate of subsidence in the 's
Speaking to TOI, senior geologist SP Sati, said, heavy rainfall might increase the "rate of subsidence" in Joshimath
"Geologically, the continuous pouring of water on a surface, which is subsiding, will just make things worse
The only option the government has, is to evacuate people and shift them to safer areas." In fact, the experts have observed a direct
relation between the water flowing on the surface in Joshimath and the problem of land subsidence
