Heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand has triggered multiple landslides, blocking the Badrinath Highway and the Kedarnath route, while rivers across the state are flowing dangerously close to the danger mark. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts, warning of continued heavy downpours over the next 24 hours.
Landslides Disrupt Key Pilgrimage Routes
The Badrinath Highway, a vital artery for pilgrims heading to the famous Badrinath temple, was blocked near Lambagad due to a massive landslide. Similarly, the Kedarnath route, used by thousands of devotees, has been obstructed near Gaurikund. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, at least seven major landslides have been reported across the state since Thursday night.
“The debris has piled up to several feet, making it impossible for vehicles to pass,” said a senior official from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which is working to clear the roads. “We have deployed heavy machinery, but continuous rain is hampering our efforts.” The BRO has advised pilgrims to postpone their journeys until the routes are safe.
Rivers in Spate; Orange Alert Issued
The heavy downpour has caused rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Alaknanda to swell, with several crossing the warning level. The IMD has placed districts including Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Pithoragarh under an orange alert, indicating the likelihood of very heavy rainfall. “The situation is critical, especially in the upper reaches,” said an IMD spokesperson. “We urge residents and tourists to stay indoors and avoid riverbanks.”
According to the Central Water Commission, the water level in the Ganga at Haridwar has risen by 1.2 meters in the past 12 hours, while the Alaknanda at Rudraprayag is flowing 0.8 meters above the danger mark. Authorities have deployed rescue teams and are monitoring the situation closely.
Impact on Pilgrimage and Tourism
The landslides have left hundreds of pilgrims stranded at various points along the routes. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has set up temporary shelters and is providing food and water to those affected. “We have advised all tourists to stay in their hotels and not venture out,” said a board official. “We are in constant touch with district administrations to ensure safety.”
The Char Dham Yatra, which attracts millions of pilgrims annually, has been severely impacted. The state government has suspended the yatra for all devotees until further notice, although priests and essential staff remain at the temples. “The safety of pilgrims is our top priority,” said Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in a statement. “We are taking all necessary measures to restore connectivity and provide relief.”
Precautionary Measures and Response
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in vulnerable areas. Teams are conducting rescue operations and evacuating people from low-lying regions. “We have moved 200 families from flood-prone zones in Rudraprayag to safer locations,” said an SDRF official. “We are also distributing relief materials.”
Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand Power Corporation has reported damage to several power lines, leaving dozens of villages without electricity. Restoration work is underway, but officials say it may take several days to fully restore power due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions.
The IMD has predicted that the rain will continue for at least another 48 hours, with isolated areas likely to receive extremely heavy falls. “The monsoon is active over the region, and we cannot rule out further landslides and flash floods,” warned the IMD spokesperson. “People should remain vigilant and follow advisories.”
