Two Days of Relentless Rain Unleash Havoc in the Hills
Uttarkashi and several adjoining districts in Uttarakhand have been reeling under the impact of two consecutive days of heavy rainfall, triggering landslides, flooding, and cloudbursts that have paralyzed normal life. With rescue operations severely hindered due to continuous downpours and swollen rivers, the situation remains precarious across the Himalayan state.
The Meteorological Center has issued an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in various hilly districts including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar. These warnings come amid already overflowing rivers and landslide-prone terrain, amplifying concerns for both residents and administration alike.
Widespread School Closures and Safety Measures
In view of the deteriorating weather conditions, schools and Anganwadi centers across multiple districts — including Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi — have been ordered shut on Wednesday. This preventive step was mandated by respective District Magistrates to safeguard students and staff as transportation and accessibility remain risky.
Additionally, District Magistrate Mayur Dixit of Haridwar issued fresh orders extending the closure of all government, semi-government, and private educational institutions, emphasizing strict compliance in light of worsening conditions.
Red and Orange Alerts Issued Statewide
The Disaster Management Authority of Uttarakhand has responded by issuing a Red Alert for Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar, directing authorities to be fully prepared for potential flooding, landslides, and infrastructural collapse. Orange Alerts remain active in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh, areas that are particularly sensitive to topographical disasters.
Officials have been instructed to maintain high alert status, ensure readiness of rescue teams, and pre-position emergency supplies in remote or cutoff areas.
Ganga River Crosses Warning Level in Haridwar
The Ganga River, swollen by the continuous rains in both the plains and mountains, breached its warning mark of 293 meters, reaching a peak of 293.30 meters at 12 noon on Tuesday. The danger level stands at 294 meters, dangerously close as intermittent showers persist.
According to JE Harish Kumar from the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, the water level had started to recede by 7 PM, dipping to 292.15 meters, but the risk remains high given unpredictable rainfall patterns and upstream inflow.
The district administration responded by evacuating riverbank settlements and clearing Ganga Ghats in Haridwar to prevent potential casualties. Villagers in low-lying areas were put on high alert.
Rescue and Relief Hampered by Unrelenting Downpours
Relief and evacuation efforts across Uttarkashi and nearby regions have been severely affected due to constant rain, washed-out roads, and the threat of new landslides. According to initial reports, 130 people have been rescued so far, but approximately 100 individuals remain trapped, many in remote and mountainous locations.
The Bhagirathi River, flowing ferociously near disaster-hit areas, has blurred the lines between debris and water, making rescue navigation nearly impossible. Rescue teams, including NDRF, SDRF, and local police, are working round-the-clock under extreme weather conditions.
Harshil Cloudburst: Army Personnel Missing, Video Shows Trail of Destruction
A terrifying cloudburst near the Harshil Army Camp has left nine soldiers missing, though two were found safe following an intensive search. The cloudburst washed away everything in its path, including homes, hotels, and entire stretches of road.
Dharali, a major halt en route to Gangotri Dham, lies just 20 kilometers from Harshil and bore the brunt of the calamity. A viral video captured in Dharali shows a disturbing scene: trees, vehicles, and structures being swept away within seconds. The ground has turned into a swamp, erasing boundaries between land and river.
Forecast: No Relief Until August 11
The weather department warns that the intense rain spell is far from over. According to Rohit Thapliyal, Director of the Meteorological Center, heavy rains will persist statewide till at least August 11. On August 6, particularly hilly areas are expected to witness extremely heavy rainfall, which could worsen flooding and landslide risks.
Thapliyal has appealed to the public to avoid non-essential travel in mountainous regions and for those residing near rivers and streams to remain vigilant. Travelers and pilgrims to high-altitude shrines are advised to suspend journeys temporarily.
Yellow Alert for Central and Eastern Districts
While the worst-hit districts face red and orange alerts, a Yellow Alert remains in effect for Dehradun, Nainital, Champawat, and Pauri, signaling the potential for heavy rain and localized disruption. Authorities in these areas have been directed to monitor water levels closely and prepare for potential evacuations or road blockages.
The yellow alert also covers other districts, emphasizing a statewide weather threat and urging residents to stay updated via official weather bulletins.
Damage to Infrastructure and Travel Disruptions
Several key highways and link roads have been rendered impassable due to landslides. In Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag, national highways connecting pilgrimage routes have been damaged. Temporary bridges, often used in monsoon-prone zones, have either collapsed or been washed away, isolating many villages.
Communication lines, electricity poles, and water pipelines have also sustained heavy damage. Authorities have started deploying temporary shelters, mobile health units, and water tankers to ensure continuity of essential services.
Tourism Takes a Hit as Pilgrimage Routes Get Disrupted
With the ongoing Char Dham Yatra season, these weather disruptions have not only caused logistical nightmares but also impacted the local economy, heavily reliant on pilgrims and tourists. Yatris stranded en route to Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham are being accommodated in relief camps or asked to return until further notice.
The State Tourism Department has issued advisories against travel to upper Himalayan routes, urging registered travelers to defer their plans. Many hoteliers in affected towns like Joshimath, Guptkashi, and Sonprayag report mass cancellations and early checkouts.
What’s Ahead: Urgent Preparedness Needed
Looking ahead, the focus remains on disaster preparedness and ensuring minimal casualties. Relief material including food packets, medicine, rain gear, and satellite phones has been airlifted to remote areas. Helicopter evacuations are on standby for areas still cut off due to road blockages.
Disaster response teams are creating temporary bunds and diversion channels to reroute overflowing rivers. Local administrations are urging citizens to stay indoors, stock essentials, and follow government alerts without fail.
Conclusion: An Unfolding Natural Crisis in the Hills
The Uttarkashi cloudburst and associated extreme weather events have revealed the vulnerability of Uttarakhand’s mountainous districts to climate-induced disasters. With a red alert in place, continued rainfall, and already strained rescue operations, the state remains on edge.
As the Bhagirathi, Alaknanda, and Ganga Rivers rage across their floodplains, and as landslides continue to threaten villages, the need for community vigilance, rapid relief, and real-time weather monitoring has never been more crucial.
We urge all residents and visitors to stay alert, cooperate with local authorities, and prioritize safety above all else.
