Devastating Landslides and Heavy Rains Disrupt Uttarakhand's Key Routes

In a significant disruption to travel, landslides and parts of the road being washed away have blocked the Yamunotri Highway near Silai Band and Ojari, the Uttarkashi Police reported on Tuesday. The cleanup and restoration efforts are proceeding swiftly, with teams working diligently to reopen the highway for vehicular movement as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the rising water levels of the Ganga river in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh have raised alarm. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police are urging residents to relocate to safe areas, as continuous rainfall continues to swell the river, which is currently flowing just below the warning mark. Rescue teams stand on alert, as local authorities closely monitor the situation, especially in Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti, and Laxman Jhula areas.

The Regional Meteorological Centre in Dehradun has issued a red alert for 'very heavy rainfall' and potentially severe weather, including thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls, affecting Dehradun, Uttarkashi, and Tehri Garhwal districts. An orange alert is in effect for Pauri Garhwal, Champawat, Nainital, and Rudraprayag, while a yellow alert covers other districts like Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Almora, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar. On Monday, Uttarkashi's Superintendent of Police, Sarita Dobhal, assessed landslide-impacted areas to evaluate and enhance safety measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)