Uttarakhand rivers swell as heavy rain triggers flooding, landslides

Torrential downpours in Uttarakhand have caused rivers and streams to overflow and disrupted normal life in several areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast very heavy rainfall on Wednesday, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in several districts of the state for the next few days.

Given the state's mountainous terrain, intense rainfall could further increase the risk of landslides, falling debris, waterlogging and disruptions on roads in vulnerable areas.

The Bin River in Rishikesh was already flowing in spate, while the Gaula River in Haldwani also witnessed a significant rise in its water level. Haldwani recorded 192 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending Tuesday, highlighting the intensity of the downpour in the region.

Meanwhile, the swollen Shipra River near Kainchi Dham left people stunned. The river, which usually flows calmly outside the temple, took on a completely different and fierce appearance on Tuesday after continuous rainfall. The sight of the river overflowing with a massive volume of water was difficult to associate with its normally peaceful flow.

The Shipra River originates in Bhawali and joins the Kosi River at Garampani Khairna. However, continuous rain since Monday night caused the river to swell considerably and overflow. Despite the heavy rainfall, the number of devotees at Kainchi Dham remained low on Tuesday, leaving the area in front of the temple relatively empty.

The temple's protective wall and the pillars supporting the bridge remained intact despite the strong flow of water, and no damage to the temple was reported. Religious activities and worship at the temple continued as usual.

In Nainital district, water from the Kakariya drain, which flows behind Pandeychhod village in Alchauna, began entering residential areas, creating difficulties for local residents. By afternoon, the flow from the drain had intensified significantly, with water entering nearly two dozen houses.

The administration, along with local villagers, launched efforts to evacuate the affected residents and move their belongings and valuables to safer locations. As the stormwater from the drain continued to rise, several houses became increasingly vulnerable, forcing residents to move their possessions out of the affected areas.

The affected families are reported to have suffered considerable losses due to the flooding. Following the situation, the administration issued notices to 23 families residing in the area, asking them to vacate their houses and move to safer locations.

Meanwhile, continuous rainfall has also disrupted normal life in Chamoli district. Roads have been blocked at several locations, while the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers are flowing in spate following the persistent downpour.

The rising water level of the Pindar River has triggered concern and panic among people living close to its banks. Visuals from the Karnaprayag area show the river's swollen waters and powerful waves reaching dangerously close to residential buildings, hotels and other structures located along the riverbank.

With the river continuing to rise, anxiety among residents has increased. The administration has been making repeated appeals to people living along the riverbanks to remain alert, exercise caution and move to safer locations whenever necessary.

Officials have warned that continued rainfall could cause river and stream levels to rise rapidly, and residents have been advised to avoid going near swollen rivers, streams and other water bodies. The administration is closely monitoring the situation in vulnerable areas and urging people to follow safety advisories.

The administration has urged people to avoid vulnerable locations and remain alert to the possibility of landslides, flooding and other rain-related emergencies.

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