Noida, 23 August 2024 – Uttarakhand is grappling with severe weather conditions as heavy rain continues to lash the region, causing widespread disruption. The relentless downpour has led to the collapse of several bridges and the overflowing of rivers, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents. In response, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for five districts, urging caution and preparedness.
Bridges Collapse and Infrastructure Damage
In various parts of the state, the heavy rain has caused significant damage to infrastructure, with bridges collapsing under the pressure of swollen rivers. The most affected areas include Pauri Garhwal, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli, where critical bridges connecting remote villages have been washed away. The collapse of these bridges has isolated several communities, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach those in need.
Rivers Overflow and Flooding Risks
The overflowing rivers, including the Alaknanda, Mandakini, and Ganga, have raised alarms across the state. Water levels have surged above the danger mark in multiple locations, flooding low-lying areas and threatening homes and farmlands. The situation is particularly dire in the districts of Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Haridwar, where the rising waters pose an imminent threat to nearby populations.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to monitor the rivers and assist with evacuations where necessary. “We are closely monitoring the water levels and have already evacuated several families from the most vulnerable areas,” said a senior official from the Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority.
IMD Issues Alert for Five Districts
The IMD has issued a fresh alert for heavy rainfall in five districts: Dehradun, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, and Champawat. The department has warned of continued heavy rain over the next 24 hours, which could worsen the current situation. Residents in these areas are advised to stay indoors, avoid traveling, and take all necessary precautions.
Impact on Daily Life and Transportation
The heavy rainfall has also led to widespread waterlogging in urban areas, causing major disruptions to transportation. In Dehradun, the state capital, several roads have been submerged, leading to traffic jams and delays. Landslides triggered by the rain have blocked key highways, cutting off access to some parts of the state.
Public transportation services have been severely affected, with buses and trains delayed or canceled due to hazardous conditions. The state government has advised people to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary and has activated emergency helplines for those in need of assistance.
Government and Community Response
The Uttarakhand government has mobilized all available resources to manage the crisis, including deploying National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to the worst-hit areas. Relief camps have been set up to provide shelter and aid to those displaced by the floods, and efforts are underway to distribute food, water, and medical supplies to affected communities.
Local residents are also playing a crucial role in the response, with volunteers helping to evacuate those in danger and providing support to rescue operations.
