Heavy rain halts Char Dham Yatra and shuts schools across Uttarakhand

Heavy rain battered Uttarakhand on Saturday, leading the authorities to suspend the Char Dham Yatra till September 27 and shut schools in five districts. The India Meteorological Department issued a 'Red Alert' and an 'Orange Alert' for several parts of the state.

Rain has continued across most parts of Uttarakhand since morning, while higher areas saw intermittent snowfall. Officials said there were no reports so far of any casualties or major damage.

According to an order issued by Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop, the Char Dham Yatra was suspended from the afternoon of September 26 until September 27 to ensure the safety of pilgrims. The Meteorological Department issued a 'Red Alert' for Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar for Saturday. An 'Orange Alert' was issued for Dehradun, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Almora, while a 'Yellow Alert' was in place for Haridwar, Uttarkashi and Tehri.

As a precaution, schools up to Class 12 were closed in Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital and Rudraprayag. For Sunday, the department issued a 'Red Alert' for Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri and Haridwar, an 'Orange Alert' for Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Nainital and Rudraprayag, and a 'Yellow Alert' for Bageshwar, Almora, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar and Pithoragarh. It has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several areas and extremely heavy rainfall at some places during this period.

The weather has increased the risk of landslides and road blockages in hilly areas, rising river levels and waterlogging in the plains. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami appealed to people and tourists to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during the 'Red Alert' period. He also advised them not to go near rivers, streams and waterlogged areas. Dhami directed officials to stay alert and continuously monitor the water levels of rivers and streams, landslide-prone areas, hill roads, Char Dham routes and major tourist destinations. Overall, the state administration has stepped up precautions as heavy rain continues across Uttarakhand.