BY Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 5 Jul: The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of Uttarakhand till July 9, prompting a state-wide alert. The monsoon is expected to intensify further over the coming days, bringing persistent and widespread rain, particularly in the hilly districts. The IMD has issued a warning for three districts in the Garhwal division including Dehradun, Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal and Bageshwar in Kumaon, predicting extremely heavy spells accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The rest of the state, including nine other districts, is also expected to witness significant rain activity with intense localised downpours.
Already on red alert since July 4, Uttarakhand has faced relentless monsoon activity, especially in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Bageshwar, prompting road closures and suspension of pilgrim traffic on key routes. The Kotdwar–Najibabad national highway has partially collapsed, disrupting links with Delhi and Meerut, while highways to Kedarnath, Badrinath and Yamunotri currently lie blocked. In fact, the Char Dham Yatra has been halted at Kedarnath and Yamunotri after thunderstorms and landslides triggered by rainfall damaged highways and claimed lives, including those of two devotees in a landslide near Yamunotri.
It may be recalled the monsoon’s heavy impact has extended beyond travel disruptions. A severe cloudburst in Uttarkashi had some days ago led to fatalities among construction workers and left nine missing, while landslides wiped out shelters and washed away portions of road along the Yamunotri route. Alarmingly, Uttarkashi’s apple orchards have also suffered significant damage, imperilling the local horticultural economy.
The IMD’s 15‑day outlook, issued last evening, predicts that the state, especially the hills will continue to endure heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and intense rain spells through July 9. Roads, bridges and hillside farms remain under threat from mudslides and flash floods. Locals have criticised the chronic state of preparedness, pointing out that long‑identified landslide‑prone areas and neglected drainage systems continue to amplify risks each monsoon.
Officials, including the State Emergency Operations Centre, have mobilised swift rescue and relief efforts with NDRF, SDRF, ITBP and police personnel working round the clock. District magistrates are advising caution to pilgrims and the general public, urging them to monitor weather advisories and avoid non‑essential travel until conditions improve.
With monsoonal activity showing no signs of relenting, authorities are maintaining a heightened state of alert.
