Uttarakhand Rains Trigger Red Alert, Over 100 Roads Shut as Rivers Near Danger Mark

Heavy monsoon rains continue to lash Uttarakhand, disrupting normal life in many districts. More than 100 roads have been closed, landslides have damaged major roads and rivers are flowing dangerously close to warning levels, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red and orange weather alerts in parts of the state.

Uttarakhand Rain Alert | Photo Credit: x.com/uttarakhandcops
Uttarakhand Rain Alert | Photo Credit: x.com/uttarakhandcops

According to the state government, 118 roads have been blocked because of landslides, falling rocks and accumulated debris which may affect the accessibility in some hilly districts.

Over 100 Roads Shut Due to Landslides

The worst-hit districts are Rudraprayag, where 22 roads have been closed. Next are Dehradun (21), Chamoli (16), Nainital (13), and Pithoragarh (12). There are also several other roads in the state closed because of continuous rain that caused new landslides.

The road-clearing teams have been in place to clear up roads but restoration work has been hampered by heavy rains and the possibility of additional landslides.

Highways Damaged by Debris

A landslide on the Gangotri National Highway temporarily disrupted traffic as the debris was thrown across the road in Nalupani.

Meanwhile, a 100-metre stretch of Yamunotri National Highway near Syanachatti was badly damaged after a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on Thursday evening.

The officials are working to restore connectivity, but fresh rain continues to frustrate repair workers.

IMD Issues Red and Orange Alerts

The India Meteorological Department has warned of more heavy rainfall beginning in the next 24 hours.

The orange alert has been issued for Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Nainital, Tehri, and Udham Singh Nagar, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding, landslides, and travel disruptions.

A red alert, the highest weather warning issued by the IMD, has been declared for specific parts of Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital and Champawat districts.

The weather department has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors where possible and follow the advice given by district administration and disaster management authorities.

Rivers Flowing Close to Danger Level

Continuous rainfall has also caused river levels to rise across Uttarakhand, raising concerns about potential flooding.

The Bhagirathi River at Uttarkashi was recorded at 1,120.20 metres, just below its danger level of 1,123 metres.

At Koteshwar in Tehri the river stood at 538.30 metres, compared to the danger mark of 545 metres.

Similarly, at Devprayag, the Bhagirathi reached 457.16 metres by 8 a.m., steadily approaching the danger level of 463 metres.

The Alaknanda River near Badrinath also experienced a significant rise in water levels, as it was only two metres below the danger level of 3,113 metres.

The river levels are closely monitored as continued rainfall could push them beyond critical thresholds.

Authorities on High Alert

Disaster response teams, district administration and road maintenance agencies are on high alert as the monsoon continues to grow in the Himalayan state.

People living in landslide-prone and low-lying areas should be watchful and stay away from swollen rivers or unstable hill slopes.

With the IMD forecasting more rain in the next few days, the government has asked tourists and pilgrims to watch official weather advisories before planning travel to the Char Dham routes and other mountain areas.

The administration continues to monitor the evolving situation, while efforts are underway to reopen blocked roads and ensure public safety amid the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall.

Latest News