Uttarakhand Rain Alert: Heavy rainfall shuts down roads in Rishikesh-Badrinath, red alert issued

The recent bout of heavy rainfall on July 5th has severely disrupted daily life in several northern states, particularly in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Uttarakhand, already grappling with continuous light to moderate rain over the past few days, now faces significant challenges due to the intensified downpours over the last three days, impacting numerous residents.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for July 6th and 7th in Uttarakhand. According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is expected in Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh weather, Nainital, Mussoorie, Uttarkashi, and Tehri. Moderate rainfall is also anticipated in other key locations including Kedarnath, Badrinath, Joshimath, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, and Roorkee.

Badrinath-Rishikesh Highway Blocked by Landslides:

The relentless rain has triggered landslides, leading to the closure of the Badrinath-Rishikesh National Highway and several other major routes. The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) reported that landslides have blocked 88 rural roads, two border roads, and the crucial highway to Badrinath. The Rishikesh-Badrinath-Rudraprayag district is particularly vulnerable to landslides, exacerbating the situation for many communities in rural areas.

Response to the hazardous conditions, authorities have ordered the closure of schools in Nainital and several other districts to ensure the safety of students. Dehradun and Haridwar have also experienced numerous incidents and accidents due to the persistent rainfall over the past week, causing additional strain on local infrastructure and emergency services.

The IMD continues to provide regular updates and forecasts, offering crucial information to help residents and authorities prepare for ongoing weather challenges. The situation remains dynamic, with efforts underway to clear roads, manage landslides, and provide relief to affected communities. The state's emergency services are on high alert, coordinating with various agencies to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall and ensure public safety.