Cloudburst in Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Badrinath highways blocked due to falling debris

Continuous rainfall in the region led to falling debris, blocking the Badrinath National Highway near Chamoli district at three separate locations. The resulting blockage left numerous commuters stranded on either side of the highway for an extended period.

Several commuters, both tourists and locals, on Saturday (July 22) found themselves stranded in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, as the Yamunotri National Highway faced blockages in several places. The obstruction was caused by falling debris near Gangnani in the district, leading to vehicles being trapped in the debris and leaving travelers stuck for hours.

The Uttarkashi administration reported that the Yamunotri National Highway faced multiple blockages, including at Chhatanga, due to heavy rains and falling debris near Gangnani in the Barkot region. In response, a Tehsildar was sent to assess the situation, while Uttarkashi district disaster management officials confirmed the presence of debris and stones on the highway.

The recent bout of rainfall resulted in water-logging at Kasturba Gandhi residential school, necessitating the relocation of school children to safer areas. In response, both the State Disaster Response Force team and the fire brigade were swiftly dispatched to the site to provide relief and aid.

Similarly, continuous heavy rainfall in the region led to falling debris, blocking the Badrinath National Highway near Chamoli district at three separate locations. The resulting blockage left numerous commuters stranded on either side of the highway for an extended period.

In a tweet, Chamoli police said, "The roadway is blocked due to debris at Nandprayag, Belakuchi, and Pagalnala on the Badrinath National Highway."

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Uttarakhand, heavy to very heavy rains, along with thunderstorms and lightning, are expected at isolated places in Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Pauri, and Nainital over the next 24 hours. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently assessed the relief and rescue efforts in Damkothi, Haridwar district, to address the waterlogging situation in the region.