Uttarakhand remains on high alert as torrential rains continue to batter the state, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red and orange alerts for Tuesday.
The extreme weather has prompted authorities to shut schools up to Class 12 in 10 districts – Pauri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Almora, Champawat, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar – as a precautionary measure.
“Very heavy rain/very intense to extremely intense spells of rain, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, and intense to very intense showers are likely at isolated places,” the IMD said in its forecast.
With the risk of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides running high, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant. The continuous downpour has disrupted normal life across both hilly and plain regions.
In Dehradun, the Tons River, flowing near the Minas motor road, has swelled dangerously. Once it merges with the Yamuna and enters the plains, water levels are expected to rise sharply, posing further flood threats.
Traffic movement has been severely affected, with several stretches of the National Highway blocked by landslides. The Chamoli Police reported closures at multiple points, including Kanchan Ganga, Bhanerpani, Kameda, and between Kotdeep, Lolti, and Nasir Market Tharali to Lolti under the Thana Tharali area.
In light of the IMD’s red and orange alerts, the Char Dham Yatra and Hemkund Sahib Yatra have been suspended until September 5.
(With inputs from IANS)