The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red’ alert for heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand, prompting significant concerns for the region’s safety and immediate suspension of the Chardham Yatra.
IMD Issues Red Alert For Uttarakhand
𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟎𝟕/𝟎𝟕/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
बद्रीनाथ राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग पर विष्णु प्रयाग से आगे बलदौडा पुल के समीप मार्ग अवरुद्ध हो गया है pic.twitter.com/QjTDJwyuW1
— Chamoli Police Uttarakhand (@chamolipolice) July 7, 2024
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert’ in Uttarakhand. It anticipates hefty rainfall on Sunday, July 7, which is predicted to last until July 10. Heavy rain is expected in Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pauri districts on Sunday. Furthermore, Tehri, Pauri, Bageshwar, Almora, Nainital, and Champawat districts are expected to receive severe rains on July 10. The ‘red’ alert is a critical weather warning used by the IMD to indicate extreme weather conditions. This alert level means that the forecasted weather poses a significant risk to life and property. The route at the Baldouda bridge ahead of Vishnu Prayag on the Badrinath National Highway has been shut, according to Chamoli Police.
Heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand also raises environmental concerns. The increased risk of landslides can lead to deforestation and soil erosion, further destabilizing the region’s ecology. The state, known for its hilly terrain and numerous rivers, is particularly vulnerable to such weather conditions. Heavy rainfall can lead to rapid water accumulation, causing flash floods and landslides, which are common and devastating in this region.
Chardham Yatra Also Lies Suspended
The Chardham yatra was temporarily delayed on Sunday given the weather department’s projection of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the Garhwal area of Uttarakhand on July 7 and 8. In light of the weather department’s report of severe rains in the Garhwal division on July 7-8, all devotees are asked not to commence the Chardham yatra beyond Rishikesh on July 7. Those who have already begun the trek to wait wherever they are until the weather clears before continuing their journey.
Heavy rains in several regions of Uttarakhand over the past few days have caused landslides in the hills, with the roadway to Badrinath blocked at several locations by rubble falling from the slopes. On Saturday, two pilgrims from Hyderabad were killed after they were struck by debris tumbling off the slope during a landslide at Chatwapeepal in Karnaprayag’s Chamoli district. They were returning from Badrinath on a motorcycle when the accident occurred.
The immediate focus is on ensuring the safety of residents and pilgrims.
Cover image credits: X/Chamoli Police
First Published: July 07, 2024 12:40 PM