The Rudraprayag district administration has issued an alert after the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers crossed their warning levels following continuous rainfall in the region, prompting authorities to urge residents and Char Dham pilgrims to remain vigilant and stay away from riverbanks.
According to official data, the Alaknanda River was flowing at 626.80 metres, above its warning level of 626.00 metres and close to the danger mark of 627.00 metres. The Mandakini River was recorded at 625.60 metres, exceeding its warning level of 625.00 metres while remaining just below the danger level of 626.00 metres.
Officials said water levels at other monitoring stations remained within safe limits. At Ganganagar, the river level stood at 800.28 metres, while Gaurikund recorded 1,973.92 metres, both below their respective warning thresholds.
The district administration has launched public announcements through loudspeakers in vulnerable areas, advising people to avoid riverbanks, streams and low-lying areas due to the possibility of a sudden rise in water levels. Residents have also been asked to immediately report any disaster-related incident, landslide or road blockage to the District Emergency Operations Centre to facilitate a prompt response.
The alert comes a day after persistent rainfall disrupted normal life in parts of the district, triggering overflowing streams, minor landslides and rising river levels that affected movement along sections of the Char Dham pilgrimage route. Authorities had earlier advised pilgrims to check weather and road conditions before travelling, while emergency and disaster response teams were kept on standby.
The administration has directed all concerned departments to remain prepared for any emergency, particularly in areas located near the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
With the monsoon remaining active across Uttarakhand, authorities have urged residents, tourists and Char Dham pilgrims to follow official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and cooperate with local officials until weather conditions improve.
(With inputs from ANI)
