Relentless Rain Batters Uttarakhand; Badrinath Highway Blocked, Schools Closed

July 6, 2026

Dehradun: Relentless overnight rainfall disrupted normal life across Uttarakhand on Monday, triggering landslides, blocking key highways, inundating low-lying areas and forcing authorities to shut schools in several districts as heavy rain continued to lash the state.

Landslides Disrupt Traffic, Badrinath Highway Closed

The Badrinath National Highway was blocked at multiple locations, including Bhanarpani, Gulabkoti and Birahi-Nijmula, after landslides, debris and continuous stonefall disrupted vehicular movement.

Officials said restoration work is underway, but traffic has been suspended on the affected stretches as a precaution to ensure public safety.

In Rudraprayag, the Namami Ghat was submerged after the Alaknanda River swelled due to heavy rainfall in the upper Garhwal region.

According to the district administration, the river’s water level rose to 622.90 metres above mean sea level (MSL) on Monday following continuous rain in the Himalayan region.

The Saryu River also witnessed a sharp rise in water level, affecting normal life in several areas. The Meteorological Department recorded a maximum temperature of 29°C and a minimum of 23°C, while uninterrupted rainfall continued across the district.

Schools Shut, Pilgrimage Suspended

Acting on an Orange Alert issued by the Disaster Management Department, Chief Education Officer Vinay Kumar Arya declared a holiday for all government, aided, recognised private schools and educational institutions from Classes 1 to 12 on Monday.

Authorities said efforts are underway to clear blocked roads and restore connectivity to affected areas. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone zones.

Meanwhile, the Pithoragarh district administration has temporarily suspended the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra due to continuous heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions.

Officials also suspended the issuance of Inner Line Permits with immediate effect until further orders, prioritising the safety of pilgrims and vehicles.