Heavy rain disrupts Uttarakhand: 109 roads shut, Char Dham Yatra suspended
Heavy rain swelled rivers across Uttarakhand on Wednesday, forcing authorities to suspend the Char Dham Yatra and close 109 roads as landslides and rising water disrupted travel in several parts of the state.
The Ganga in Haridwar was flowing at 292.90 metres, just 0.10 metres below the warning level and 1.10 metres below the danger mark, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre.
The Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers in Rudraprayag also crossed their warning levels. The Alaknanda was flowing at 626.18 metres against a warning level of 626 metres, while the Mandakini was more than half a metre above its warning mark of 625 metres.
In Pithoragarh, the Kali River reached 888.90 metres, just 0.10 metres below its warning level of 889 metres.
Authorities have advised residents to stay away from riverbanks and asked people living in low-lying areas to move to safer locations as a precaution.
At least 109 roads remained closed across the state, with restoration work underway. The Tyuni-Mussoorie-Maletha National Highway was blocked near Nagthat following a landslide.
The pedestrian route from Janakichatti to Yamunotri was also damaged near Ram Mandir after the river swelled. Authorities have made alternative arrangements for movement in the area.
The Char Dham Yatra remained suspended because of heavy rain and landslides. The administration had halted the pilgrimage on July 28 and 29.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Thursday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in Bageshwar, Nainital, Champawat and Pithoragarh districts.
District administrations have been directed to remain on high alert and take necessary precautionary measures in view of the weather warning.
