Uttarakhand Rains Trigger Landslides, Block 118 Roads, Disaster Teams Put on High Alert

Heavy rainfall has battered Uttarakhand , triggering landslides, blocking roads and affecting daily life across several districts. A teenager died, multiple people were injured, and schools up to Class 12 were closed as authorities stepped up monitoring amid warnings of more intense rainfall.

The Dehradun Meteorological Centre issued an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in districts including Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital and Champawat. Officials warned of possible disruptions due to continued monsoon activity, particularly in vulnerable hilly regions.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) , an 18-year-old youth, Shahid, drowned in a rain-fed river in Bhagwanpur area of Haridwar district. His body was recovered during a search operation by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police teams. In Nainital, two pedestrians suffered minor injuries after a tree fell near a hotel area.

The heavy rains caused significant damage to road connectivity , with around 118 roads blocked across the state due to landslides, falling debris and weather-related damage. A 100-metre stretch of the Yamunotri National Highway near Syanachatti in Uttarkashi was damaged following a landslide, while the Gangotri National Highway faced repeated disruptions due to falling rocks and boulders. Restoration work is underway on affected routes.

Continuous rainfall also led to rising water levels in major rivers, including the Bhagirathi, Pindar, Kali and Gori , though officials said they remained below warning levels. Authorities are closely monitoring river conditions to prevent flood-related emergencies.

The state administration has directed district officials to maintain high alert in vulnerable areas , keep rescue teams prepared and ensure coordination among disaster management agencies. Road conditions are being monitored continuously to enable quick action during emergencies.

With the monsoon gaining intensity, Uttarakhand authorities are focusing on disaster preparedness, restoring transport links and safeguarding residents and tourists in landslide-prone mountain areas.