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Monsoon rains have once again taken a severe form in the hilly state of Uttarakhand. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the State Disaster Management Authority have declared red and orange alerts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall with torrential rains during the next 18 hours in many parts of the state. In view of this severe weather condition, the administration has been put on high alert in sensitive hilly areas and teams of SDRF and NDRF have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. In view of heavy rains and danger of landslides, instructions have been issued to keep all schools and Anganwadi centers closed in three major districts. Red alert in Nainital and Almora: There is a possibility of extremely heavy rain in these areas. The Meteorological Department has issued 'Red Alert' for Nainital and Almora districts of Kumaon division. It is expected that these areas will witness extremely intense rainfall along with severe thunder and lightning. According to the Disaster Management Department, the weather may remain extremely bad in Ramnagar, Bhimtal, Haldwani, Mukteshwar and Bhawali areas of Nainital including Chaukhutia, Bhikiyasain, Ranikhet, Dwarahat, Bhanoli and Jaiti of Almora. Local residents have been strictly instructed to avoid unnecessary travel and stay in safe pucca houses. Orange alert in 10 districts: Disaster rain from Dehradun to Chamoli. Apart from the red alert, the Meteorological Department has issued 'Orange Alert' for 10 other hilly and plain districts of the state. This includes districts like the capital Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Pauri Garhwal and Chamoli. In these districts, there is a huge risk of rapid rise in the water level of rivers and landslides on sensitive slopes. JCBs and bulldozers have been deployed especially in view of the possibility of debris coming on the Mussoorie-Dehradun route and the main highways to Chardham Yatra. School holiday declared in 3 districts: Administration issues strict orders Giving top priority to the safety of students and teachers, the district administration has taken steps with immediate effect. Holiday has been declared in all government, non-government and private schools as well as Anganwadi centers from classes 1 to 12 in Nainital, Bageshwar and Almora districts. The concerned District Magistrates have ordered all the nodal officers, revenue sub-inspectors and police teams to remain ready in their respective areas 24 hours. A warning has been given of strict disciplinary action if any kind of negligence is found. 17 roads closed due to landslide in Pithoragarh, more than 400 vehicles stranded. Due to continuous torrential rains in the frontier district Pithoragarh, life has become completely disrupted. The road has been completely blocked due to huge amount of mountain debris and huge boulders falling near Munna Band on Pithoragarh-Ghat National Highway. A total of 17 major roads including rural and main links of the district have been closed. Due to this road blockage, more than 400 vehicles of trucks, buses, taxis and local passengers carrying essential goods are stranded at various places. The machinery of the Public Works Department (PWD) and BRO is trying to restore traffic by removing the debris on a war footing. Kali, Saryu and Gori rivers in spate: Advisory to stay away from river banks Due to continuous rains, the water level of major rivers of the state – Kali, Ramganga, Saryu, Gori and Pindar has reached very close to the warning line. Many local rain drains are in spate, posing a threat of water and mud entering low-lying residential areas. The State Disaster Control Room has appealed to the general public, herders and pilgrims not to go close to rivers, waterfalls and eroded banks. In case of any emergency, it is advised to immediately contact the local control room or 112 helpline number.