Post-heavy rain, Alaknanda river surges 2 meters | WATCH

The Alaknanda River in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, has surged to critical levels, flowing two meters above the danger mark. This alarming rise has compelled many residents to evacuate their homes. In Suvidhanagar, five families from the Valmiki community have been forced to leave their houses, while in Belni, the monks and devotees of the Hanuman Temple have moved their belongings to safer locations.

Continuous heavy rainfall has inundated multiple neighborhoods in the Agastyamuni area. The residence of Kedarnath MLA Shailarani Rawat in Basant Vihar is among the many homes that have been flooded. The rising water levels of the Bantoli River near Gaundar village, a primary stop for the Second Kedarnath, Lord Madmaheshwar, now threaten the temporary bridge in the area. Last year, a permanent bridge was washed away due to high water levels, and now the temporary wooden bridge is at risk.

Residential Buildings at Risk

The incessant rainfall over the past three days has caused the Alaknanda River's water level in the Badrinath region to rise sharply. Around 10 a.m. today, the river surged to two meters above the danger mark, endangering five residential buildings in Suvidhanagar inhabited by the Valmiki community. Residents quickly evacuated, moving their belongings out of harm's way. In Belni, water is rapidly approaching the Hanuman Temple, prompting monks and devotees to secure their possessions.

यह साधारण बात नहीं है। रुद्रप्रयाग में अलकनंदा नदी में एक घंटे में दो मीटर जल स्तर बढ़ गया। कई घरों में पानी घुस गया और लोगो में अफ़रातफ़री मच गई। प्रशासन की तरफ़ से लगातार नदियों के किनारे बसे लोगो को सुरक्षित स्थान पर जाने के लिये कहा जा रहा है, उत्तराखंड में अगले 48 घंटे रेड… pic.twitter.com/fmytYGPOHc

— Ajit Singh Rathi (@AjitSinghRathi) July 6, 2024

MLA's Residence Submerged

Overnight downpours have flooded several neighborhoods in the Agastyamuni area of the Kedarnath Valley. Poor drainage has exacerbated the situation, causing rainwater to inundate numerous homes, including the residence of Kedarnath MLA Shailarani Rawat. By morning, courtyards and roads were submerged under water.

A stormwater drain in the State Bank Colony has overflowed, making it appear as though a river is flowing through the streets, flooding many homes and shops. The situation in Basant Vihar is particularly severe, with many houses affected by the flooding.

Bantoli Bridge Threatened by River Surge

In the Madmaheshwar Valley, relentless rain continues to wreak havoc. The rising water level of the river at the Bantoli Bridge beyond Gaundar village poses a significant threat to the temporary bridge. Last year, a disaster washed away the permanent bridge, and locals have since relied on the temporary bridge. District Panchayat member Vinod Rana reported that the rivers in the Madmaheshwar Valley are overflowing, endangering the temporary bridge.

National Highways Blocked

DM Saurabh Gaharwar reported that ongoing rain since late last night has blocked several national highways in the Rudraprayag district. Police have halted traffic at safe points, and efforts are underway by the concerned agencies to clear the routes.

The continuous rain has triggered landslides and debris, complicating the road-clearing efforts. Similar conditions prevail near Dolia Devi and Fata, where landslides and fallen trees have obstructed the roads. In response to the monsoon rain alert, the local district administration has decided to close schools. Additionally, the water levels of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, which traverse the district, have risen.