Heavy rain batters Uttarakhand; one person swept away in Kali river

Heavy rains lashed several parts of Uttarakhand on Monday, causing floods, roadblocks, and dangerous river levels across the state. In Pithoragarh district, a man was swept away in the swollen Kali river, prompting a search operation by local authorities. The man, identified as 35-year-old Soban Singh, went missing in Dyoda village. Officials from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) confirmed that efforts are underway to locate him.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally visited the SEOC in Dehradun to review the situation. He spoke with district magistrates through video conferencing to assess the damage caused by the downpour and ensure proper arrangements are in place for pilgrims, residents, and travelers affected by the heavy rains.

Flooding reported in Dehradun residential area

In Dehradun, the Bhudpur area witnessed severe flooding after the Asan river overflowed due to continuous rainfall that began early Monday and continued till afternoon. Several residents were trapped in their homes, prompting police teams to carry out rescue operations.

Authorities have been urging residents living along the riverbanks to stay alert and take necessary precautions. Announcements are being made through loudspeakers to warn people about rising water levels and potential hazards.

The rainfall was widespread across Uttarakhand, with heavy to very heavy showers reported in multiple districts. The sudden downpour has raised concerns about landslides and road closures in hilly regions, especially on routes leading to pilgrimage destinations like Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Schools closed and weather alerts issued

Due to the heavy rains, all schools from classes 1 to 12 in Dehradun district remained closed on Monday as a precautionary measure. Authorities are closely monitoring the weather situation, with alerts issued for several districts.

The meteorological department has issued a yellow alert predicting moderate rainfall and strong winds for the next 24 hours in Rudrapur, Laksar, Ranikhet, Roorkee, Govindghat, Badrinath, and nearby areas in Almora, Chamoli, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar districts.

Additionally, an orange alert — indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds — has been announced for areas like Jim Corbett, Kotdwar, Lohaghat, Munsiyari, Kapkot, Haldwani, and surrounding regions in Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, Pauri, and Pithoragarh districts. These alerts serve as warnings for potential landslides, flash floods, and disruptions in transportation.

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CM Dhami reviews safety and rescue measures

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed all arrangements related to road connectivity, power supply, drinking water, and safety for ongoing religious events like the Chardham Yatra and Kanwar Yatra. He instructed officials to ensure that timely updates on the weather forecast are shared with both residents and pilgrims.

“Officials must remain on high alert and be ready with all necessary arrangements, especially in areas where traffic movement is often disrupted due to heavy rains,” Dhami said during his interaction with district officials.

He emphasized that disaster response teams, police, and rescue workers should be deployed in vulnerable areas to ensure quick assistance in case of emergencies. Local authorities have also been asked to set up temporary shelters for those affected by flooding.

The state administration is working to minimize risks for pilgrims and tourists visiting Uttarakhand during this monsoon period. The Chardham Yatra routes, which pass through landslide-prone zones, are being monitored constantly. Dhami stressed the importance of keeping these routes safe and operational despite weather challenges.

Electricity and drinking water facilities, which often face disruptions during heavy rains, are being restored on a priority basis. The government has also appealed to residents not to venture near rivers or waterlogged areas until the situation improves.

The chief minister’s visit to SEOC reflects the seriousness of the situation. He assured people that all necessary steps are being taken to protect lives and property. Search operations for the missing man in Pithoragarh are ongoing, and locals have been urged to cooperate with rescue teams.

Outlook for the next 24 hours

With weather alerts still in place, Uttarakhand is expected to see more rain over the next day, particularly in districts like Nainital, Champawat, and Chamoli. The state government has requested the public to stay indoors during heavy rainfall and avoid unnecessary travel in landslide-prone zones.

The monsoon season often brings challenges to the hilly state, and officials are preparing for possible flash floods and landslides in the coming days. The next 24 to 48 hours are considered critical due to the continuous rainfall forecast.

As the situation develops, the administration will continue to provide updates on road conditions, weather changes, and safety guidelines. Meanwhile, the people of Uttarakhand are hoping for relief from the relentless showers that have already disrupted normal life.