Uttarakhand Rain Crisis: 120 Roads Closed, Yamunotri Highway Section Washed Away

The state of Uttarakhand is currently grappling with a severe weather crisis as relentless heavy rainfall continues to batter various regions. This natural onslaught has Importantly disrupted daily life and infrastructure, leading to the closure of 120 roads across the state, including three critical national highways. The situation has become particularly dire in the higher reaches, where landslides and road cave-ins have become frequent occurrences, cutting off several areas from the main transport network.

Yamunotri National Highway Severely Damaged

The Yamunotri National Highway has emerged as the most affected route in the state. In the Uttarkashi district, specifically near the Syanachatti area, a massive 100 meter section of the highway was completely washed away due to the intensity of the rain and subsequent soil erosion. This catastrophic damage left approximately 100 pilgrims stranded in a precarious situation. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was immediately deployed to the site to conduct a high-stakes rescue operation. Using ropes and specialized equipment, the SDRF personnel managed to safely evacuate all 100 pilgrims, guiding them one by one across the treacherous terrain to safety. The rescue team also established an alternative temporary pedestrian path to facilitate movement while the main road remains non-functional.

Administrative Inspection and Emergency Measures

On Saturday, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya conducted a thorough on-site inspection of the damaged Syanachatti area. During his visit, he issued strict instructions to the National Highway Department officials to expedite the construction of a bridge over the Yamuna River, setting a deadline of one week for its completion. The District Magistrate emphasized that the safety of pilgrims and local residents is the administration's highest priority. He further directed that the temporary pedestrian routes be equipped with essential safety features, including sturdy ropes, solar lighting for night visibility, and other protective measures to prevent any accidents during the restoration period.

Widespread Road Blockages and Incidents

According to the State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC), the connectivity crisis extends beyond Uttarkashi, while the Rishikesh-Kedarnath National Highway is currently blocked near Sirobagar in the Rudraprayag district due to a massive accumulation of debris from landslides. Similarly, traffic has been halted on the Kotdwara-Satpuli National Highway in the Pauri district. Efforts to clear the debris from these vital arteries are being carried out on a war footing, although continuous rain and falling stones from the hills are hampering the progress. In another incident on Friday night, a pickup truck transporting vegetables was severely damaged by a landslide on the Gumkhal-Satpuli road. Fortunately, the driver and two other occupants of the vehicle managed to escape without injuries.

Weather Forecast and Rainfall Statistics

The Meteorological Department has reported significant rainfall across the state over the past 24 hours. Kirtinagar recorded the highest rainfall at 135 mm. Other areas such as Satpuli, Loharkhet, Yamkeshwar, Song, and Pokhari have also experienced intense downpours. The weather department has issued a fresh alert for the next 24 hours, predicting continued heavy rainfall and a high risk of further landslides. Residents and travelers have been strongly advised to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel in the hilly regions until the weather stabilizes.