Heavy Rains Trigger Landslide on Gangotri Highway
Continuous heavy rainfall in the Himalayan region has led to a major landslide on the Gangotri Highway, completely blocking vehicular movement. The highway, a vital route for pilgrims and locals, was hit by debris early on July 10, 2026, stranding several vehicles. Officials from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have been deployed for clearance operations, but no timeline for reopening has been given.
Delhi and UP on High Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi and several districts of Uttar Pradesh, predicting very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. According to IMD officials, the monsoon trough is active and likely to bring widespread precipitation. Delhi recorded 89 mm of rain in the past 24 hours, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas and traffic disruptions.
Rescue and Relief Operations Underway
In Uttar Pradesh, the state government has directed all district magistrates to remain on high alert. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas. A senior official from the Uttar Pradesh Relief Commissioner's office stated, "We are monitoring the situation closely. Teams have been deployed to assist in evacuation if needed." Several rivers, including the Yamuna and Ganga, are flowing above the danger mark in some stretches.
Impact on Daily Life
Flights and trains have been affected across the region. At Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, at least 15 flights were delayed or diverted due to poor visibility. The Northern Railway reported that several trains running on the Delhi-Kalka and Delhi-Ambala routes are running late. Schools in Delhi and parts of UP have been ordered closed for the day as a precautionary measure.
IMD Forecast for the Week
The IMD has predicted that the monsoon activity will remain vigorous over Northwest India, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, over the next three days. An IMD scientist said, "We expect the intensity to decrease from July 13, but isolated heavy spells cannot be ruled out." The weather office has advised farmers to postpone sowing activities and residents to avoid venturing into flood-prone areas.
Previous Rainfall and Damage
Since the onset of the monsoon season in June, North India has received 20% more rainfall than normal, according to IMD data. This has led to multiple landslides and flash floods in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, claiming at least 15 lives so far. The state governments have sought central assistance for relief and rehabilitation.
Safety Measures and Advisories
Authorities have urged people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory listing waterlogged stretches, including stretches near ITO, Minto Bridge, and South Extension. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer locations. The power distribution companies have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted supply to hospitals and emergency services.
