Uttarakhand: The ongoing Kedarnath Yatra in Uttarakhand has come to a standstill at Sonprayag and Gaurikund due to continuous heavy rainfall.
To ensure the safety of travelers amidst unfavorable weather conditions, the district administration has taken this precautionary measure.
The heavy downpour has resulted in the blockage of four state roads and ten connecting roads due to debris. Officials have reported that the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers are flowing at dangerously high levels.
Against the backdrop of incessant rains in Uttarakhand, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for July 12. In a tweet, the IMD shared, "Orange Alert: Uttarakhand and adjoining areas of Western Uttar Pradesh likely to receive Heavy to Very Heavy rainfall (115.6 to 204.4mm) on 12th July."
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated on Tuesday that the state administration is fully prepared in response to the heavy rainfall alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the region.
Regarding the precautionary measures taken in the state, CM Dhami mentioned, "Every year during the monsoon season, we have to deal with natural calamities. Excessive precipitation leads to landslides and rising river levels. We are on high alert. All district administration officials and our disaster management teams are diligently performing their duties. They have been instructed to remain vigilant and respond to any situation. Our other organizations, including NDRF, Army, and the PWD department, are also prepared to handle any contingencies. We are in constant communication with the people, extending our assistance during these testing times."
On Tuesday, four individuals lost their lives, and ten others were injured due to falling debris on the Gangotri National Highway near Gangnani in Uttarakhand.
In light of the heavy rains, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for July 11 and 12 in Uttarakhand.
"Four districts have been issued a red alert. We are on high alert. The CM also reviewed the situation yesterday. Unfortunately, we had one incident where four people lost their lives and seven were injured. However, we have everything under control. We are continuously working towards ensuring the safety of our people," stated Disaster Management Secretary Ranjit Sinha.
Meanwhile, IMD scientist Naresh Kumar mentioned, "A red alert has been issued for Uttarakhand, and heavy rainfall is expected in northwest Uttar Pradesh. Significant rainfall has subsided in Himachal Pradesh, while light to moderate rain is likely in Delhi/NCR."
Furthermore, CM Dhami reiterated on Tuesday that the state administration is fully prepared in response to the heavy rainfall alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the region.
Reports indicate that severe flooding has occurred in the Jummagad river, located in the border area of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, resulting in the destruction of a bridge constructed over it.
Consequently, the Indo-Tibet border road in that area has been blocked, and communication with over a dozen border villages has been severed. The flooding in the Jummagad river, near Jumma village on the Joshimath-Niti highway, approximately 45 km from Joshimath, continued until late Monday evening, leading to the collapse of the bridge.
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