Uttarakhand has been placed under a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in eight hill districts, as weather patterns intensified across the state on Thursday. The Meteorological department said the alert applies to Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Bageshwar, Nainital, Champawat, and Pithoragarh.
Our correspondent reports that in addition to continuous rain, lightning is expected in several areas. The forecast warns of flooding and landslips in hill zones, while the plains are likely to experience lighter rainfall. Officials said the next few days are critical as river levels rise and slopes remain saturated.
A total of 177 routes, including three National Highways, are closed across the state. Our correspondent adds that Chamoli is among the worst affected with 32 closures, followed by Rudraprayag with 25, Tehri with 23, and Uttarkashi with 21. Dehradun reported 16 blocked routes, Almora 16, Pithoragarh 18, Nainital 7, Bageshwar 6, Pauri 12, and Haridwar 1. No closures have been reported in Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar.
Our correspondent reports that local administrations have been instructed to keep heavy machinery ready to clear landslides once conditions allow. Emergency services are monitoring sensitive stretches and arrangements are being made for stranded commuters. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
Our correspondent adds that the weather office has forecast that heavy rains will continue in the hills until around September 17, though monsoon activity in the plains is expected to ease. Officials say road restoration work is ongoing where possible, but in many places efforts will have to wait until rainfall intensity reduces.
Earlier on Thursday, PM Narendra Modi who was on a visit to the state announced a financial assistance package of ₹1,200 crore for Uttarakhand, which has been devastated by severe rains, floods, and landslides in recent months. The announcement was made during his visit to Dehradun, where he reviewed the damage with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, held discussions with disaster management officials, and conducted an aerial survey of the worst-hit areas.
Our correspondent reports that during the survey, Modi observed major damage to road infrastructure, houses, and farmland in districts where rivers had swollen beyond their banks and slopes had given way. According to official data shared at the meeting, over 80 people have lost their lives, more than 100 are still missing, and property damage is close to ₹2,000 crore.
The assistance package is intended for immediate relief efforts such as rescue operations, shelter provision, and emergency medical support. It will also fund repair and reconstruction of damaged public utilities: roads, bridges, and drainage systems. Our correspondent adds that agriculture and livestock losses will also be addressed, with special attention to farmers impacted by washed-out fields and destroyed grazing land.
Tourism has suffered significantly; the disruption to Char Dham pilgrimage and other seasonal visits has severely impacted local businesses. Modi said the government will work toward restoring tourist routes and pilgrimage infrastructure with resilience in mind.
