Red Alert in Uttarakhand: Landslides, Flood Risk Shut Down Travel and Schools in 9 Districts

The monsoon has become fully active in Uttarakhand and is now pouring down with fury. Several areas in the state have been devastated by torrential rains—houses have collapsed in some places, roads are filled with debris in others, and incidents resembling cloudbursts have also been reported. Because of the heavy rainfall, the Meteorological Department has issued a red alert in 9 districts of the state.

According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue in Uttarakhand from June 30 to July 3. This could lead to landslides in hilly areas, road damage, and sudden rises in river water levels. As a precaution, the government has halted the Char Dham Yatra and has issued orders to shut down schools.

Red Alert in 9 Districts

According to the Meteorological Department, on Monday, June 30, there may be very heavy rainfall at some places in Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar districts. In these areas, a red alert has been issued. An orange alert has been issued in the remaining districts in view of the possibility of heavy rain.

Landslides at Multiple Locations, Highways Closed

Due to continuous rainfall, incidents of landslides have occurred on hilly routes. Debris has fallen on several national and state highways, completely disrupting movement. The traffic department and disaster relief teams are on high alert.

Char Dham Yatra Halted

Due to rain and landslides, the pilgrimage to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri has been temporarily halted. The administration has advised pilgrims to stay at safe locations, and trekking and hiking in high Himalayan regions have also been banned.

Schools and Colleges Closed

A holiday has been declared for all government and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centers, in five districts of Uttarakhand — Nainital, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, Dehradun, and Haridwar — on June 30. Meanwhile, flood and rescue mock drills are being conducted in these districts for disaster management, which will be monitored directly by the Chief Secretary from the control room.

Instructions Given to Remain Alert

The state government has instructed all district magistrates to remain alert and keep relief and rescue teams ready. People heading to high Himalayan regions have been stopped, and local residents have also been advised to exercise caution.