Heavy rain lashed Uttarakhand on Monday, blocking the Badrinath National Highway at several locations, shutting schools in affected districts, raising river levels and forcing the suspension of the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra.
Continuous rainfall triggered landslides and road blockages across Uttarakhand, disrupting traffic and prompting authorities to suspend the Adi Kailash Yatra. | Photo source: Chamoli Police/IANS
Heavy rainfall continued to batter Uttarakhand on Monday, triggering landslides, blocking major highways, flooding riverfront areas and forcing authorities to close schools in several districts. The worsening weather has also led to the temporary suspension of the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra.
The prolonged spell of rain has disrupted road connectivity across the state, particularly in the hill districts. Officials have suspended traffic on vulnerable stretches, appealed to residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stepped up efforts to restore blocked routes.
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The Badrinath National Highway has been blocked at multiple locations, including Bhanarpani, Gulabkoti and the Birahi-Nijmula stretch, after continuous rainfall triggered landslides, debris accumulation and stonefall.
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Authorities said restoration work is in progress. Vehicular movement on the affected stretches has been halted as a precaution until conditions improve.
In Rudraprayag, the Namami Ghat was submerged as the Alaknanda River swelled following persistent rainfall in the upper Garhwal region.
The district administration said continuous rain in the upper Himalayan areas has steadily raised the river’s water level. Officials recorded the Alaknanda at 622.90 metres above mean sea level (MSL) on Monday.
The Saryu River has also witnessed a rise in water level, affecting normal life in several areas.
According to the Meteorological Department, the district recorded a maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 23 degrees Celsius on Monday, while rainfall continued through the day.
Acting on an orange alert issued by the Disaster Management Department, Chief Education Officer Vinay Kumar Arya ordered the closure of all government, aided and recognised private schools for students from Classes 1 to 12 on Monday in the affected district.
The district administration said road-clearing operations are underway to restore traffic movement at the earliest.
Officials have also advised residents to stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas and avoid non-essential travel until weather conditions improve.
The Pithoragarh district administration has temporarily suspended the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra due to continuous heavy rainfall and deteriorating weather conditions across the hill districts.
Officials said the issuance of Inner Line Permits has also been suspended with immediate effect until further orders to ensure the safety of pilgrims and vehicles.
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