Rains in Uttarakhand: Chardham Yatra suspended for today due to heavy rains on IMD red alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy rains in Uttarakhand on Sunday, July 7. Amid the highest warning level, equivalent to a red alert in the state, the authorities have temporarily suspended the Chardham Yatra, reported PTI.

The weather agency has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand today and tomorrow. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey said the yatra has been postponed for the safety of pilgrims.

“In view of the meteorological department’s forecast of heavy rains in Garhwal division on July 7 and 8, all devotees are urged not to proceed for the Chardham Yatra beyond Rishikesh on July 7.” PTI quoted Vinay Shankar Pandey as saying. The Garhwal Commissioner advised the pilgrims to wait where they are until the weather clears before continuing their journey in adverse climatic conditions.

Heavy rains in several parts of Uttarakhand over the past few days have triggered landslides in the mountains. As a result, the highway to Badrinath was blocked at several places by falling debris.

The IMD states: “Heavy (64.5-115.5 mm) to very heavy (115.5-204.4 mm) rainfall with extremely heavy (> 204.4 mm) rainfall is likely in isolated areas over Uttarakhand on 7 July.”

On Saturday, two pilgrims on a motorcycle were killed after they were hit by falling debris. The accident occurred when the two pilgrims from Hyderabad were returning from their pilgrimage site. On that fateful day, a massive landslide occurred near the Chatwapeepal area of ​​Karnaprayag in Chamoli district.

On the same day, a bridge collapsed in Ramnagar in Uttarakhand due to incessant rains that disrupted daily life. Heavy rains hit the region, causing flooding, inundation, waterlogging, house damage, road flooding, uprooted trees and other damage.

Adding to the adverse climatic conditions, the rivers of Uttarakhand flow close to the danger mark at Vishnu Prayag near Joshimath.

The wall of a house in Almora district of Uttarakhand collapsed in the early hours of Sunday following heavy rains. A State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) official said, “The wall collapsed around 1:00 am last night, due to which rainwater entered the house in Golna Kararia in Almora district,” ANI reported.

District magistrates of all affected districts of Uttarakhand have been asked to remain vigilant and on high alert in view of the heavy rain warning issued by the IMD for nine districts of the state on July 7.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami appealed to the people of the state to be cautious and move to safe places. He also directed Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Vinod Kumar Suman and other officials of the disaster management authority to remain constantly alert.

(With PTI and ANI inputs)