Continuous heavy rainfall has disrupted normal life across Uttarakhand, with rivers and streams in several districts running high, waterlogging and landslides reported at multiple locations, and 12 people reported dead in rain-related incidents. Heavy rain and landslides have also left 172 roads closed across the state.
The situation remains particularly challenging in the hill districts. Debris and rocks falling from the mountains have blocked several roads. The Public Works Department and other concerned agencies are working to reopen the affected routes, but continued rainfall is hampering restoration efforts. At several locations, roads have been blocked again after debris fell following their reopening.
Rain has increased the risk of landslides at several sensitive locations in Uttarkashi. Falling rocks and debris from mountain slopes are causing difficulties for motorists. The administration has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and to assess weather conditions before using hill roads. Travellers have also been advised to stay away from rivers and rain-fed streams.
The 172 closed roads include several important routes. Road closures in different districts are affecting access to essential supplies and health services for people living in rural and remote areas. In some locations, residents are relying on alternative routes because road connectivity has been disrupted. Administration teams are using machinery to clear debris and reopen roads.
Heavy rainfall has also affected Dehradun. Rain-fed streams and small rivers are flowing with b currents in several areas. Two children were swept away in fast-moving water. The body of one child has reportedly been recovered, while rescue teams are conducting a search for the other child.
Several low-lying areas of Dehradun were flooded after heavy rain, affecting traffic and forcing residents to take measures to protect their homes and vehicles. Administration and disaster-relief teams received requests for assistance from several locations.
Incidents of vehicles being swept away have also been reported in parts of Dehradun. After vehicles became trapped in b currents, SDRF and police teams reached the affected locations and attempted to bring people to safety. In one incident, some occupants were rescued, while searches and relief operations for others continued.
Water levels in rivers and streams are rising rapidly because of continued rainfall, increasing the risk in affected areas.
In view of the rainfall situation, schools have been ordered to remain closed in five districts. Holidays have also been declared for schools and anganwadi centres, with the administration citing the safety of children and the risk of waterlogging, landslides and road disruptions.
Parents have been urged not to send children outside unnecessarily during the heavy rain.
The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in several parts of the state. An orange alert has been issued for some districts, while warnings of heavy rain have also been issued for other areas.
According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall in hill areas can trigger landslides and sudden flooding. People have been advised to stay away from rivers, streams and gadheras.
A key risk during rainfall in Uttarakhand is a sudden rise in water levels. Even when rainfall temporarily stops in the mountains, water from higher-altitude areas can flow downstream and cause river and stream levels to rise rapidly.
The administration is therefore repeatedly advising people not to go near riverbanks or attempt to cross routes carrying fast-moving water.
Rainfall has affected several districts, including Nainital, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri and Bageshwar. Road disruptions have been reported along with interruptions to electricity and drinking-water supplies in several locations.
Residents in rural areas are facing difficulties in meeting their daily needs, while the administration has increased monitoring of sensitive areas.
Continuous rainfall has raised the water level of Nainital Lake. After the lake level approached the prescribed level, channels were opened to drain additional water.
The administration has increased vigilance in surrounding areas and advised people living near the lake and in low-lying areas to monitor the water level.
Landslides remain a key risk in hill areas during rainfall, with incidents of rocks falling onto roads reported regularly. Vehicles can sometimes become caught in falling debris.
The administration has advised people to avoid routes where landslides or falling rocks have been reported.
The reported deaths in separate rain-related incidents have prompted continued action by the administration. The process of providing relief to the families of those who died is underway.
Teams from the Disaster Management Department and district administrations are assessing conditions in affected areas. Relief supplies and other essential facilities are being provided where required.
Reopening closed roads remains a challenge because soil and rocks continue to slide from mountain slopes amid persistent rainfall. Debris is being removed with machinery, but the safety of personnel working at sensitive locations remains a concern.
Before reopening a road, authorities must also assess the risk of further debris falling from above.
Following the incident involving the two children in Dehradun, the administration has issued specific advice regarding rain-fed streams and waterlogged areas. Small streams can rise rapidly within minutes during rainfall, making attempts to cross them dangerous.
Parents have also been urged to keep children away from such areas.
Rain continues across Uttarakhand, with heavy rainfall expected in several areas in the coming period. The state has reported 12 deaths, 172 closed roads, a landslide in Uttarkashi, the incident involving two children being swept away in Dehradun and school closures in five districts. Administration and SDRF teams continue relief and rescue operations, while residents have been advised to stay away from rivers, streams, mountain slopes and sensitive routes until weather conditions improve.
