Dehradun: Widespread heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand has brought life to a standstill in multiple districts, with the IMD sounding an orange alert for Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, and Rudraprayag.
Simultaneously, a yellow alert has also been sounded for Nainital, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and several other districts, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching up to 40 kmph. As relentless rains continue to lash the region since Saturday night, authorities are on high alert and disaster response teams have been mobilized.
Likelihood of intense to very intense spells of rain
The warning indicates the likelihood of intense to very intense spells of rain accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph. In response, schools in Tehri have been ordered shut for the day, including all private institutions, government schools up to Class 12, and Anganwadi centers.
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Yellow alert for Nainital, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh
The yellow alert for Nainital, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh, along with remaining districts such as Almora, Chamoli, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar, suggests sporadic deterioration in weather, including thunderstorms and strong winds. Areas like Ranikhet, Roorkee, Rudrapur, Laksar, Badrinath, and Govindghat have been singled out for heightened caution.
Disruption across hill districts
According to the State Emergency Operations Center, heavy rainfall has triggered multiple landslides and road closures. Debris has blocked the Vikas Nagar-Barkot National Highway, while several state highways—one in Chamoli, two in Dehradun, three in Pauri, and four in Tehri—have been rendered inaccessible. In total, traffic has been disrupted on 121 roads, including 68 rural routes, with only 28 reopened by late evening. Ninety-three roads remain shut.
A particularly severe landslide near Bhapkund in Jyotirmath, Chamoli, has damaged a 10-meter stretch of the Malari Highway that connects the sensitive China border region. Movement of both military vehicles and locals has been brought to a halt, and repair efforts are at the mercy of the rain’s relentlessness.
Rising waters and evacuations
The Alaknanda river’s water level has surged, submerging Gandhi Ghat near Brahmakapal in Badrinath. The SDRF, local police, and fire department teams remain on alert. Torrential rains in Badrinath Dham caused Kanchan Nala to overflow, blocking traffic for five hours and stranding 1,530 pilgrims. Swift evacuation efforts by police ensured their safety.
Precautionary measures advised
Officials have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in landslide-prone zones, and refrain from venturing near rivers. People are advised to stay indoors during lightning, keep mobile phones charged, and follow updates from the administration. Given Uttarakhand’s terrain and recurring monsoon patterns, authorities warn that negligence may prove costly.
