Uttarakhand weather update: Yellow alert in 3 districts, avalanche near Kedarnath; Tehri Lake full, landslides hit Gangotri highway
A yellow alert has been issued for heavy rain in Uttarakhand, while an avalanche occurred in Kedarnath's Chorabari glacier on Thursday evening. Tehri Lake is overflowing, and landslides continue to block the Gangotri Highway, causing trouble for commuters and raising safety concerns.
Dehradun: The weather in Uttarakhand remains unstable as the Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms in Dehradun, Bageshwar, and Nainital districts.
Lightning and intense spells of rain are also expected in other hilly areas and some parts of the plains. The alert is likely to remain in effect for the next few days.
Avalanche occurred near the Chorabari glacier above Kedarnath
Amid this, an avalanche occurred near the Chorabari glacier above Kedarnath on Thursday evening. For about five minutes, a cloud of snow swirled through the Himalayan region, alarming locals and pilgrims. Fortunately, no damage was reported in Kedarnath. However, experts note that this is one of several avalanche incidents in the region over the past two years, highlighting the growing impact of changing weather patterns in the Himalayas.
Tehri Dam Lake has reached near full capacity due to consistent rainfall
Meanwhile, the Tehri Dam Lake has reached near full capacity due to consistent rainfall this monsoon. According to THDC Executive Director LP Joshi, the lake has been filled up to 826.11 meters, just three meters short of its maximum limit of 830 meters. Currently, 800 cumecs of water is being discharged from the lake, while 1200 cumecs is flowing in from various sources—Bhagirathi (500 cumecs), Bhilangana (400 cumecs), and other tributaries (300 cumecs). Joshi assured that the lake is being closely monitored and there is no immediate threat to surrounding areas.
The rise in water level has also boosted power generation, and officials say the situation is under control. Still, residents living near the dam are advised to stay alert as the monsoon continues.
Thursday brought a temporary relief in Dehradun
In Dehradun, Thursday brought a break from rain and a bit of sunshine, offering temporary relief. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 30.8°C and a minimum of 22.5°C. Other regions, such as Pantnagar, Mukteshwar, and New Tehri, also experienced slight temperature increases. However, the weather department predicts a drop in temperature again as rain returns.
A leopard was found floating under the Devda river bridge
On the wildlife front, an unusual sight was reported on the Nainital State Highway, where a leopard was found floating under the Devda river bridge. The animal, injured and unable to escape, was rescued by the forest department team from Banna Kheda and is now receiving treatment at a rescue center.
Gangotri Highway continues to suffer due to frequent landslides near Dharasu
The Gangotri Highway continues to suffer due to frequent landslides near Dharasu. On Thursday, debris and boulders blocked the road for nearly six hours, causing major inconvenience to travelers and disrupting the supply of essential goods. The same stretch was closed for ten hours on Wednesday, making it a recurring issue this monsoon season.
Officials are on high alert to manage risks and ensure public safety
Authorities are working to clear the roads and have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in landslide-prone areas. With the yellow alert in place and unpredictable weather patterns, safety remains a top priority. As Uttarakhand navigates through heavy rains, avalanches, and rising water levels, officials are on high alert to manage risks and ensure public safety. The coming days will be crucial in monitoring weather developments and responding to emergencies.