Dehradun: Uttarakhand is bracing for another spell of rain today, on Wednesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in eight districts, including Dehradun, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, Bageshwar, and Nainital. The alert also includes warnings of thunderstorms and lightning in several regions.
The IMD has predicted that the rain will continue over the next few days, particularly in the hill districts. The fluctuating weather has led to a game of hide and seek between sun and clouds, with some areas experiencing rain alongside sunshine, while others are battling humid conditions under dense cloud cover.
Dehradun witnessed bright sunshine throughout the day
After a brief pause in monsoon activity, the weather turned volatile again on Tuesday. Dehradun witnessed bright sunshine throughout the day, followed by intense showers in the evening that brought temporary relief from the heat. The maximum temperature in the city reached 34.3°C, while the minimum settled at 23.5°C. Similar patterns were observed in other districts, with Udham Singh Nagar recording a high of 33.4°C and Mukteshwar remaining cooler at 25.8°C.
Landslide disrupted traffic on Mussoorie-Dhanaulti road
In Mussoorie, a landslide near Laxman Puri on the Mussoorie-Dhanaulti motor road disrupted traffic for over an hour. A large amount of debris and a fallen tree blocked the road, prompting emergency teams to clear the route. Meanwhile, water levels in the popular tourist spot Kempty Falls have risen significantly, leading police to issue alerts to local traders and visitors to remain cautious.
56 roads have been closed due to debris and landslides
The impact of the rain is being felt across the state’s fragile hill infrastructure. According to the State Emergency Operations Center, 56 roads have been closed due to debris and landslides. These include key routes in Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Almora, and Pauri Garhwal. The Kamedi Devi–Vijaypur National Highway 99 in Bageshwar has been shut for heavy vehicles due to a damaged retaining wall.
In Chamoli district alone, one state highway and 11 rural roads are blocked. Uttarkashi has reported closures on one state road and six rural routes, while Pithoragarh is dealing with debris on one border road and eight rural roads. Other affected areas include Tehri, Dehradun, Nainital, and Almora, where multiple rural roads remain inaccessible.
Disruption has hit both locals and pilgrims
The disruption has hit both locals and pilgrims traveling to Char Dham shrines. With the Kanwar Yatra underway and monsoon rains intensifying, authorities are urging caution and advising travelers to check road conditions before setting out.
SDRF teams have been deployed
Disaster management teams have been deployed in vulnerable zones, and efforts are ongoing to clear blocked roads and restore connectivity. The administration has also asked residents to avoid landslide-prone areas and riverbanks during heavy rainfall.
As the monsoon gains strength, Uttarakhand’s hill districts remain on high alert. The IMD has forecast continued rain activity till July 21, with the possibility of intense spells in isolated pockets. Officials are monitoring the situation closely and have assured that emergency services are on standby to respond to any crisis.