The India Meteorological Department's Uttarakhand Centre has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Dehradun, Bageshwar, Nainital, Pauri, and Tehri for the next 24 hours. Following the weather warning, the State Disaster Management Department has issued an advisory for all districts and directed authorities to remain prepared for any emergency situation.
Although the monsoon arrived in Uttarakhand only 48 hours ago, its impact has already become widespread. Heavy rainfall on Wednesday disrupted normal life in several parts of the state, including Dehradun and Bageshwar. Multiple roads in Dehradun were submerged due to severe waterlogging, affecting the movement of vehicles and residents.
The road leading towards Maldevta in Dehradun remained blocked for a prolonged period after large quantities of debris accumulated on the route. The road connecting Dehradun to the Song River dam also remained closed for several hours after massive boulders and debris fell onto the roadway.
According to rainfall data recorded during the last 24 hours, Dehradun received 65 millimetres of rain, Mussoorie recorded 52 millimetres, Garud in Bageshwar received 68 millimetres, Champawat recorded 61 millimetres, Banbasa received 61 millimetres, Narendra Nagar recorded 34 millimetres, and Someshwar received 36 millimetres of rainfall.
The continuous downpour has also caused the water level of the Alaknanda River to rise significantly in Rudraprayag. The seriousness of the situation is reflected by the massive Lord Shiva statue located below the Belni Bridge, which is now submerged up to its chest in the swollen river. Under normal conditions, the entire statue remains visible. The unusual sight has become a source of both concern and curiosity among local residents.
In response to the rising river level, the district administration has been placed on full alert. Teams from the disaster management, police, and revenue departments are continuously monitoring sensitive locations. Authorities have advised residents living near the river to remain vigilant, while all concerned departments have been instructed to stay prepared to respond to any emergency.
Heavy debris and rocks falling from the hillside at the Sirobgad landslide zone between Srinagar and Rudraprayag have once again blocked the Badrinath National Highway. Continuous landslides have completely halted traffic movement, resulting in long queues of vehicles on both sides of the highway.
The Sirobgad landslide zone has remained one of the most dangerous and persistent trouble spots on the Badrinath National Highway for nearly three decades. Every monsoon season, this stretch creates major difficulties for Char Dham Yatra pilgrims, local residents, and the transportation of essential supplies. Despite the expenditure of several crores of rupees on mitigation measures over the years, a permanent solution to the recurring landslide problem has not yet been achieved.
With heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast to continue in five districts over the next 24 hours, authorities remain on high alert as Uttarakhand faces the early and powerful impact of the monsoon season, raising concerns over transportation, public safety, and the risk of further landslides and flooding across the state.
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