A day after twin cloudbursts struck Uttarkashi district, sweeping away an entire village and triggering widespread panic, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a heavy rainfall warning along with a red alert for Uttarakhand.
According to the IMD forecast, heavy rain is likely at isolated locations across several districts, including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Udham Singh Nagar, Dehradun, Nainital, Champawat, and Pauri Garhwal.
The department further warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and intense to very intense spells of rain in different parts of the state.
In response to the IMD alert, all schools and Anganwadi centres from Classes 1 to 12 have been closed for the day in multiple districts, including Dehradun, Nainital, Tehri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Champawat, Pauri Garhwal, Almora, and Bageshwar.
The precautionary closure comes amid continuous heavy rainfall, which has caused severe disruption to link roads in several areas. Authorities are working round the clock to clear debris and restore connectivity.
Officials reported that the Badrinath National Highway has been blocked at several points due to persistent downpours.
Meanwhile, the incessant rain has forced the suspension of the Kedarnath Yatra until further notice, significantly impacting the pilgrimage route.
In Rudraprayag district, the motor road leading to Shri Kedarnath Dham has been obstructed between Sonprayag and Gaurikund due to falling debris and rocks. The Mandakini River flowing from Kedarghati is in spate, posing additional risks.
Sharing the latest update, the Uttarakhand Department of Information and Public Relations quoted SP Rudraprayag Akshay Prahlad Konde as saying, “In view of the safety of the general public and devotees, the Kedarnath Dham Yatra has been postponed till further orders. Devotees on the Kedarnath Dham route have been safely halted at their current locations.”
He also cautioned that rockfall risks remain high along the footpath between Gaurikund and Kedarnath. With roads blocked, movement has been completely suspended for now.
The police force remains on high alert throughout the district, including along the Kedarnath footpath. Water levels in the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers have risen significantly. Authorities have urged people to stay away from riverbanks to avoid accidents.
(IANS)