DEHRADUN: Heavy monsoon showers have begun to disrupt normal life across Uttarakhand, triggering landslides, road blockages, power outages and riverbank erosion in several parts of the state over the past 24 hours.
Kashipur recorded the highest rainfall at 206 mm, while the state's average rainfall during the period stood at 52.4 mm. With the monsoon now fully active, its impact has been reported across most districts.
According to officials, 195 roads remain blocked due to landslides, debris and rain-related damage. Several areas are also facing electricity disruptions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in five districts, while the remaining districts are under a yellow alert for heavy rain at isolated places.
The adverse weather has also affected the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. A massive rockslide between Malpa and Lamari has blocked the route, cutting off road connectivity to the China border in the Vyas Valley. With heavy rain continuing, authorities are uncertain when the road will reopen.
The second batch of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims is scheduled to travel to Gunji through the affected route on Friday.
The Char Dham Yatra has also seen a sharp decline in pilgrim arrivals due to persistent rainfall. Daily footfall, which stood at around 50,000 in June, has now dropped to nearly 11,000.
In view of the weather forecast, the district administrations of Almora and Nainital have declared a holiday on Friday for all government, aided and private schools, as well as anganwadi centres, from Classes 1 to 12.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the situation with Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman and directed officials to prioritise public safety and disaster preparedness.
"A detailed review was conducted at the State Emergency Operations Centre regarding the rain situation, weather forecast, road connectivity, river water levels and relief and rescue operations. All departments have been instructed to remain fully alert to deal with any possible disaster or emergency, with public safety as the foremost priority," Suman told The New Indian Express.
Meanwhile, a major accident was averted in Mussoorie on Wednesday when a nearly 100-year-old tree collapsed near Bakery Hill on Upper Mall Road during continuous rainfall. The tree damaged a car and three scooters parked nearby, but no injuries were reported.
The incident briefly disrupted traffic, prompting police, fire service and forest department personnel to launch a joint operation to clear the road.
Forest guard Abhishek Sajwan said prolonged rainfall increases the risk of old and large trees collapsing in hilly areas and added that vulnerable trees are being identified to prevent accidents.