70 roads affected in Garhwal region

Incessant rains and subsequent landslides in Garhwal region for the past two days have blocked PWD roads. The water level of Alaknanda and Mandakini is rising, to the alarm of the administration and the people living nearby. Seventy roads under the aegis of PWD have been blocked in three districts - Pauri, Rudraprayag and Chamol, officials said.

According to the Chief Engineer, PWD Pauri, 28 roads were blocked in Chamoli district, while the figures were 32 and 10 for Pauri and Rudraprayag districts respectively. Out of 32 such roads in Pauri district, four are in Duggada division, three in Provincial division, six in construction division, four in lansdowne division, six in Srinagar division, seven in Bajjaro division and four in the Paubo division.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Razza Abbas said the water level of the Alaknanda river in Srinagar had crossed the danger level and reached 536 ft at 5.30 am on Friday. However, later in the day, it was decreased. There was no danger to Srinagar, he assured.  In Gaurikund under Rudraprayag district, level of Mandakini is rising. Traffic was affected at Sonprayag as the pillars sank. In Chamoli district, 100 meter stretch of National Highway in lambagargh was swept away.