Uttarakhand weather update: Yellow alert for heavy rain in 4 districts, Kheer Ganga swells, landslide in Rudraprayag
Heavy rain continues to lash Uttarakhand, with a yellow alert issued for four districts. Rising river levels, landslides, and damaged roads have disrupted life in many areas. In Dharali, the swelling KheerGanga halted rescue work, while Dehradun saw flooding and house collapses.
Dehradun: The Meteorological Center has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain in Pauri, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Nainital districts.
Thunderstorms with lightning and intense rainfall are also expected in isolated areas across the state. The monsoon continues to show its fierce side, affecting both plains and hills.
Landslide in Rudraprayag district
A landslide near Gondar on the Madmaheshwar Yatra route in Rudraprayag district stranded around 200 pilgrims on 17 August. SDRF swiftly launched rescue efforts with DDRF support. Over 100 devotees were safely evacuated, and operations continue. Teams remain stationed, closely monitoring the situation and ensuring ongoing relief.
Heavy rain in Dehradun
In Dehradun, heavy rain began Saturday night and continued till Sunday afternoon, flooding several areas. Rivers overflowed, and water entered homes. In Vikas Nagar, around a dozen kutcha houses collapsed, but fortunately, no casualties occurred as residents had taken shelter in nearby concrete buildings.
Water level in Kheer Ganga rose sharply
The situation in the hills is equally worrying. Landslides have blocked roads at multiple locations, making movement difficult. In Dharali (Uttarkashi), the water level of Kheer Ganga rose sharply, forcing authorities to halt an ongoing search operation. The BRO-built road, cleared just days ago, was damaged again. Panic spread among locals as the river surged.
Relief operation disrupted
Helicopter services meant to deliver relief materials were disrupted due to poor weather. In Songarh, where the Bhagirathi river swelled, LPG cylinders had to be ferried to disaster-hit areas using rafts. Meanwhile, near Chinyalisaur Taxi Stand, about 200 meters of the Gangotri Highway submerged into Tehri Dam Lake, cutting off Tehri Bazaar and Nagni-Badethi from road access.
Monsoon will persist for a few more days
Dehradun is expected to remain partly cloudy today, with chances of light to moderate rain. Heavy rain may return on Tuesday. From the mountains to the plains, clouds are hovering and rain continues to fall in patches. Experts say the monsoon will persist for a few more days. People must stay alert and prepared for sudden weather changes. The mix of sunshine, clouds, and rain will continue to surprise residents across Uttarakhand.
Authorities have urged people in vulnerable areas to stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary. Relief teams are on standby, and efforts are being made to restore connectivity and deliver aid.