Landslides Disrupt Connectivity Across Uttarakhand
Heavy rain triggered landslides across Uttarakhand on Sunday, blocking 126 roads, including two national highways, while a wall collapse in Dehradun left a woman injured and forced seven families to evacuate. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that incessant rainfall over the past 24 hours has severely disrupted road connectivity throughout the state.
In Dehradun, a woman was injured in the Pathariya Peer area after the wall of an under-construction building collapsed due to heavy rain. As a precautionary measure, seven families living nearby were evacuated and shifted to a safer location, the SEOC confirmed.
Yamunotri Highway Remains Closed for Third Day
The Rishikesh-Yamunotri National Highway has remained closed for the past three days after a landslide at Syanachatti. Teams from the national highways authority are carrying out round-the-clock restoration work to reopen the road. Officials said debris and boulders are being cleared from the affected stretch, while an alternative route has also been prepared to facilitate the movement of essential traffic.
Repair work is underway on the Yamunotri Highway, which has been closed since the landslide occurred. The closure has affected pilgrims and locals who rely on this route for access to the Yamunotri temple, a key Hindu pilgrimage site.
State Emergency Operations Centre Monitoring Situation
The SEOC is coordinating with district administrations and disaster response teams to manage the situation. According to SEOC data, the blocked roads include state highways and rural roads, with major disruptions in districts such as Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, and Uttarkashi. Authorities have advised residents to avoid non-essential travel and to stay updated on road conditions through official channels.
Continuous rainfall has also led to a rise in water levels in rivers, including the Ganga, prompting alerts in low-lying areas. Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh saw elevated water levels as a result of the downpour in the hills.
Impact on Daily Life and Travel
The landslides have stranded vehicles and disrupted supply chains, particularly in remote areas. Essential services such as ambulances and food supplies are being rerouted through alternative routes. The state government has deployed additional resources to clear debris and restore connectivity as quickly as possible.
Officials said that while some roads may be cleared within 24 hours, others, particularly those with extensive damage, could take longer. The weather forecast indicates continued rain in the region, which may further hamper restoration efforts.
