Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh Bear Brunt of Heavy Rains
Heavy to very heavy rainfall has lashed several parts of India, with Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh emerging as the worst-affected states. The downpour triggered widespread landslides and flooding, severely disrupting normal life and infrastructure.
In Uttarakhand, relentless rain caused landslides that blocked 120 roads, including three national highways. The Yamunotri National Highway remained cut off for two days, stranding pilgrims. Around 100 pilgrims were escorted to safety across a washed-out stretch of the highway, according to officials.
Impact on Infrastructure and Pilgrimage
The blocked roads have hampered rescue and relief operations. The state government has deployed teams to clear debris and restore connectivity. The Badrinath and Kedarnath pilgrimage routes have also been affected, though authorities are working to ensure minimal disruption for devotees.
In Himachal Pradesh, similar conditions prevailed, with landslides and flash floods reported in several districts. The state has issued alerts for low-lying areas as rivers and streams swelled beyond danger marks.
Meteorological Warning and Advisory
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand and an orange alert for Himachal Pradesh, forecasting continued heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Residents have been advised to avoid travel to hilly areas and stay away from landslide-prone zones.
According to PTI, the situation is being monitored closely, and relief measures are underway. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been kept on standby for swift deployment if needed.
