Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in various parts of Uttarakhand, leading to landslides and blocking several crucial roads. The region has experienced torrential downpours, causing the Ganga River to surpass the danger mark in Devprayag and breach the warning level in Haridwar. This situation arose due to the release of excessive water from the dam on the River Alaknanda.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously predicted “heavy to very heavy rainfall” across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh over the next five days. In response to this forecast, the Dehradun Meteorological Centre issued an “orange” alert for heavy rain in all 13 districts of Uttarakhand.
The heavy rains on Sunday resulted in numerous landslides, blocking key roads throughout Uttarakhand, including the important Badrinath national highway. This disruption in road communication has caused significant inconvenience for the local population and tourists alike. An ‘orange’ alert has been issued, highlighting the severity of the situation and the urgency to address it promptly.
The heavy rainfall has also taken a toll on infrastructure in the region. The projection of a scaffold on the Joshmimath-Malari street suffered extensive damage due to the debris and excess water flowing into the Girthi Ganga stream at Niti Ghati in Chamoli district’s Joshimath.
In response to the situation, local authorities and disaster management teams have sprung into action to carry out rescue and relief operations. Efforts are being made to clear the blocked roads and restore connectivity as soon as possible. Helicopters have been deployed to airlift stranded individuals and provide essential supplies to the affected areas.
The safety of the residents and visitors remains the top priority for the authorities. Evacuation measures have been put in place to relocate people living in vulnerable areas to safer locations. Emergency shelters have been set up to provide temporary accommodation and essential amenities to those affected by the landslides and heavy rainfall.
Uttarakhand, known for its natural beauty and religious significance, attracts a large number of tourists every year. However, the current situation has severely impacted the tourism industry. The disruption in road connectivity and the risks associated with landslides have deterred visitors from reaching their intended destinations. This, in turn, has led to a significant economic setback for the region.
As per the IMD’s latest forecast, heavy rainfall is expected to persist in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh for the next few days. Authorities are on high alert and continue to monitor the situation closely. The local population has been advised to exercise caution, stay updated with weather bulletins, and follow the instructions issued by the authorities to ensure their safety.
The recent heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides in Uttarakhand have disrupted road communication, caused infrastructure damage, and impacted the region’s economy. With rescue and relief operations underway, the focus remains on restoring connectivity, ensuring public safety, and minimizing further damage. The local authorities and residents are working together to overcome the challenges posed by this natural calamity, with hopes of a swift recovery and restoration of normalcy in the affected areas.