Alaknanda, Mandakini rivers cross warning levels in Rudraprayag amid heavy rainfall; high alert issued
Rudraprayag, July 28
Amid continuous heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, the water levels of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers have risen above the warning mark, prompting the district administration to issue a high alert and direct officials to remain on maximum vigilance.
Authorities have advised residents living along the riverbanks to shift to safer locations if required and instructed all concerned departments to remain prepared to deal with any possible natural disaster.
In view of the India Meteorological Department's weather alert, the district administration has instructed all officials to maintain heightened vigilance across their respective areas. The administration has also directed all concerned departments to remain fully prepared to deal with any potential natural disaster and ensure that relief and rescue teams are on standby with all necessary resources.
Elaborating on the ground situation, Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, stated that prior preparations were made following early orange alerts.
He said, "An 'orange alert' had already been issued for certain districts, indicating a likelihood of heavy rainfall, so the districts were forewarned. We had made prior preparations, and appropriate measures are being taken at all necessary locations."
Providing an update on infrastructural impacts, Vinod Kumar Suman said, "The rainfall has caused some minor damage; for instance, debris has accumulated near Kanchan Nala close to Badrinath, and debris has also been reported near Guptkashi, leading to road closures. In Dehradun, waterlogging has been reported in two or three places, and debris accumulation has occurred in a couple of spots."
"The situation remains normal everywhere. One bridge has suffered slight damage near Ninda ki Chowki. All districts remain on alert and are maintaining constant vigilance; the situation is under control. Rain is expected to continue until this afternoon, and rainfall will persist across the state for the next three days," Vinod Kumar Suman said.
Meanwhile, Continuous heavy rainfall since Monday night caused a portion of the newly constructed bridge to collapse between Prem Nagar and Nanda Ki Chowki on the Dehradun-Paonta Sahib Highway, disrupting traffic movement.
Speaking to ANI, Dehradun District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan said the road would be reopened for traffic within the next three to four hours. "The road is being opened for traffic within the next three to four hours. The structural design of the bridge is completely safe. Appropriate further actions regarding this matter will be taken later, but our priority right now is opening the road," Chauhan said.
On the other hand, the Char Dham Yatra has been suspended for Tuesday and Wednesday in view of passenger safety, as pilgrimage routes have been blocked at several places due to landslides and a heavy rainfall alert.
The Garhwal Divisional Commissioner said the yatra will resume once weather conditions improve and the routes are cleared and declared safe for pilgrims.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some proactive action with early orange alerts and prior preparations. The disaster management secretary seems to have things under control. But I wish they'd also focus on long-term solutions like better drainage systems in Dehradun where waterlogging happens even with moderate rain.
Suspending Char Dham Yatra for two days is the right call. Pilgrim safety should come first. But the infrastructure - roads and bridges getting damaged so easily shows we need climate-resilient construction in hilly areas. The Mandakini river flooding near Kedarnath feels like 2013 all over again 😰
Living in Dehradun, I can confirm the rain has been non-stop since Monday night. The waterlogging in a few areas is annoying but manageable. Glad to see the DM saying the bridge is structurally safe - that's crucial for commuters. Hope the weather clears up soon for the pilgrims waiting to visit Badrinath.
🙏 Stay safe to all residents near Alaknanda and Mandakini. The disaster management team seems alert but I hope they have enough rescue boats and helicopters ready in case things get worse. Also, the debris near Kanchan Nala and Guptkashi needs clearing fast - those are important routes for locals and pilgrims.
As someone from Uttarakhand, I appreciate the preparations but I'm a bit skeptical. Every year we hear 'situation is under control' and then the damage still happens. The orange alert system is good but I wish they'd issue red alerts earlier and move people before rivers cross warning levels. Just my honest observation.