Dehradun: The Indian Meteorological department issued a yellow alert for heavy rains on Friday in all the districts of the state. As far as the weather forecast is concerned for the coming week, an orange alert has been sounded for Bageshwar district on coming Saturday and Sunday. For the last 24 hours, on Thursday, state capital Dehradun, Uttarkashi and lower Kumaon region witnessed heavy rainfall in Champawat, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar at most of the places.
Both Garhwal and Kumaon divisions are experiencing significant rainfall
IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts in the state. Moreover, continuous rainfall is being observed in many areas, with intermittent heavy showers in various locations. Both Garhwal and Kumaon divisions are experiencing significant rainfall. The Meteorological Department anticipates that this pattern will persist in the coming days. According to the Dehradun Meteorological Center, similar weather conditions are expected to continue across many parts of the state.
Impacts of intense rainfall in Uttarakhand
Due to the yellow alert for heavy rains and thunderstorms with lightning, there is a risk of flooding in low-lying areas of the state. Flash floods are particularly likely in these regions and near rivers. The heavy rainfall may also trigger landslides, rockfalls, and mudslides in certain areas. Roads, highways, and bridges could be blocked or washed out as a result of these natural events. Additionally, the intense rainfall might increase water flow in rivulets and rainwater streams, potentially causing bank erosion. Pilgrims and tourists traveling to Char Dham or other locations are advised to stay alert and travel only if necessary.
Road blockages and decline in pilgrim influx due to heavy rainfall
Frequent rain-induced landslides in various parts of the Uttarakhand have caused blockage of roads and highways. Resultantly, a total of 156 roads, including PWD roads, National highways, and PMGSY roads, are currently blocked due to landslides. Amid landslides and heavy rains, the pilgrim footfall has also come down in the state. Only 1650 pilgrims visited Badrinath, Gangotri received 414 pilgrims and Yamunotri had 286 pilgrims on August 7. Following the cloudburst incident on 31 July, the Kedarnath pilgrimage was completely halted as the Kedarnath trek route was severely damaged at multiple locations. Today, on Thursday, 21 pilgrims visited the shrine via Helicopters after the flash floods in the area.
