Uttarakhand: IMD predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall; Badrinath Yatra halted

On Monday, India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Uttarakhand, predicting heavy to extremely heavy rains. Brinath Yatra has been suspended as a precautionary measure, and travellers en route to Brinath have been stopped at safe locations.

"Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls very likely at isolated places over Uttarakhand and West Uttar Presh," IMD said in its daily wear bulletin issued on Monday morning.

India Meteorological Department furr stated that temperature in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has plummeted, particularly in Pipalkoti, Ghat, and Pokhari areas, as well as in district hequarters Gopeshwar. Schools have also been shut for day owing to heavy rainfall. 

Uttarakhand: IMD predicts very heavy rainfall, schools to remain closed

In a tweet yesterday, India Meteorological Department said that thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected in Uttarakhand and or neighbouring states as a result of interaction with low-level easterlies. Schools in Dehrun, Nainital, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Almora, Bshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Tehri, and Rudraprayag would remain closed due to expected heavy rain, as per district magistrate orders.

"Thunderstorm and heavy rainfall activity over Uttarakhand, West UP and Haryana on 17th and 18th as a result of WD interaction with low-level easterlies. Cloud drifting towards West UP and souast Haryana from low-pressure area over Telangana begins from today afteron, (sic)" IMD said. 

Red alert in Uttarakhand 

red alert has prompted  hill state's government to halt pilgrims on Char Dham yatra route, including Brinath Yatra, at several spots and vised m to t continue until wear improves. Most educational institutions in Uttarakhand will remain closed today. Trekking, mountaineering, and camping activities in state's high altitude zones will be prohibited until Tuesday as a precautionary measure in light of Met Department's heavy rainfall alert.

A landslide near Khari region has obstructed Yamutri national highway. A landslide near Nagun Barrier in Uttarkashi district has blocked Gangotri national highway. Meanwhile, swfall was witnessed in jacent Gangotri and Yamutri shrines.

(With inputs from ANI, Im: ANI)