Heavy rainfall continues to lash Uttarakhand and rivers are swelling dangerously raising the risk of a disaster and the Char Dham Yatra is being suspended as a safety precautionary measure.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for several districts and warned heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides are expected in the next few days.
The continuous downpour has dramatically increased the water levels in major rivers such as Alaknanda, Mandakini, Bhagirathi and Ganga.
Waterlogging in low-lying areas has occurred and landslides have blocked roads connecting hill towns and pilgrimage routes.
Uttarakhand:
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Bike swept away in overflowing drain on NH-309 near Ramnagar, riders rescued amid heavy rain. pic.twitter.com/XiiOayPq9x
In view of the safety of pilgrims and residents, the Uttarakhand government has temporarily suspended the Char Dham Yatra in the holy shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Pilgrims have been advised to stay at safe places until weather conditions are better.
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration are on high alert. Emergency teams are on the ground in the worst affected districts to monitor river levels, clear debris and assist stranded people if needed.
Sections of roads connecting the Char Dham routes have been temporarily blocked because of falling rocks and landslides. Road restoration work is going on but authorities have advised people not to travel too far in mountainous areas.
Uttarakhand Rains: Bageshwar hit by heavy rain; homes waterlogged, landslides block 16 roads.
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Mandalsera village is among the worst-hit, where overflowing drains have inundated roads and homes.
According to a disaster management official, 16 roads in the district are closed.… pic.twitter.com/O3buEpjsnw
The weather officials say heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, and Nainital. The persistent rains, the IMD says, may lead to flash floods, mudslides, and overflowing streams in vulnerable areas.
District administrations have issued advisories to residents residing near rivers and landslide-prone areas to be on guard. Schools in some districts could be closed or open depending on weather in the area and emergency control rooms are operating 24 hours a day.
The pilgrims who are still on the Char Dham route are told to follow official updates and not to go to higher elevations until they can clear the authorities. Hotels, shelters and local administration are also providing any assistance.
Heavy rain wreaks havoc across Uttarakhand, damaging homes and roads.
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In Dehradun's Kath Bangla slum, floodwaters entered homes late at night, damaging property and washing away belongings.
Residents said the situation worsened around midnight, forcing families to flee with… pic.twitter.com/5th0XqB4wM
Tourists who plan to visit Uttarakhand are also advised to postpone their trips at least until weather conditions calm down. Travelers are also advised to watch official weather bulletins and road status updates before going on a trip, the officials said.
Monsoon rains frequently hit Uttarakhand during this time of year but the weather forecast of heavy rainfall season also causes Uttarakhand rains but the authorities say they are taking extra precautions this year because of the intensity of the rainfall forecasts.
Emergency teams, which are fully prepared for any emergency response if the weather is bad, are now ready for quick response for any possible disaster or situation if it gets worse.
This is because nobody should spread rumors on social media and only the Char Dham Yatra, weather alerts, and road conditions are being announced by the government.
Rescue personnel and monitoring, with constant monitoring and emergency crews on standby, are going to be able to minimize the disaster risk until the heavy rainfall dies down.
