Mussoorie, Uttarakhand – Overnight rains have triggered widespread landslides across Uttarakhand, blocking 155 roads and severely disrupting the Char Dham Yatra. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for four districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days.
The Badrinath National Highway was hit by multiple landslides, blocking key stretches at Kamera, Bhanerpani, and Pagal Nala in Chamoli district. National Highways Authority (NHA) teams worked for three hours to clear the debris, allowing stranded pilgrims to resume their journey.
Gangotri and Yamunotri Highways Affected
Road connectivity to the Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines remained fragile. The Gangotri highway, which was already damaged by a flash flood on August 5, was blocked again near Dharasu and Songad. Similarly, the Yamunotri highway faced disruptions near Kuthnaur and Naradchatti. While restoration teams managed to reopen these stretches after several hours, authorities have advised commuters to proceed with extreme caution.
Meanwhile, in the upper reaches of Harsil, a temporary lake that formed after the Dharali flash flood has receded by over a meter after manual channelization. However, residents and local farmers in Harsil, whose economy is centered on apple farming, are concerned about the a lack of road access to transport their crop, which is ready for harvest by the end of the month.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has mobilized a large team and heavy machinery to clear the debris field and construct a temporary ramp at Dharali to restore limited two-way traffic.
In Tehri district, 25 roads remain blocked by landslides. District Magistrate Nitika Khandelwal has inspected the affected areas and directed officials to ensure drinking water is supplied via tankers and that ration kits are distributed to affected families.
IMD Issues Orange Alert for Heavy Rain
In the 24 hours leading up to Thursday morning, Uttarakhand recorded 15.1 mm of rainfall, which is 47% above normal. Champawat received the heaviest rainfall at 51.6 mm, followed by Bageshwar at 42.2 mm.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Bageshwar and Champawat for Friday and Saturday, with warnings of extremely intense, isolated spells. Heavy showers are also likely in other hilly districts, including Dehradun and Pithoragarh. Officials have urged pilgrims and tourists to remain cautious and have instructed the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to remain on high alert.