Torrential Rains Trigger Landslides, Block Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway as Uttarakhand Braces for Continued Extreme Weather

Key Highlights

• Highway Blockage: Heavy debris blocked the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway near Shivpuri.
• Traffic Disruption: Vehicles stranded on both sides; no injuries reported.
• SDRF Action: Relief and clearance operations underway with police support.
• Weather Warning: IMD forecasts severe conditions on May 4–5; to continue through May 6–7.
• Mussorie Impact: Kempty Fall swelled; several shops inundated with water and debris.

Sudden Weather Shift Disrupts Traffic; SDRF and Police Begin Relief Operations

Intense rainfall suddenly occurred. Strong winds accompanied the rainfall. This weather disrupted traffic and caused a major blockage on the Rishikesh-Badrinath Chardham road on Sunday evening. The downpour led to landslides at several points. Heavy debris fell near Shivpuri and blocked the highway. This left long queues of vehicles stranded on both sides.

According to eyewitnesses, uprooted trees and falling debris created chaos, but no injuries have been reported. Local residents and travelers attempted to clear vehicles trapped under the rubble before police teams arrived to manage the situation. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was also dispatched to assist with the relief and clearance operations.

IMD Had Issued Prior Weather Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Dehradun, had forecast thunderstorms and lightning. Heavy rain and gusty winds were also predicted for May 4 and 5. These conditions were expected across multiple districts. These districts include Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Dehradun, Pauri, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Almora, Champawat, and Nainital. Wind speeds of 40–50 km/h were expected to accompany the stormy conditions.

Further, the department warned that unstable weather is likely to continue in parts of Uttarakhand. This includes Dehradun, Nainital, and Chamoli. The weather will be unstable on May 6 and 7 as well.

Mussorie, Kempty Fall Witness Heavy Water Flow

In Mussoorie, heavy rain on Sunday wreaked havoc. The Kempty Fall area was especially affected. A sudden cloudburst-like situation caused the waterfall to swell rapidly. Footage captured by visitors shows the roaring fall gushing through the area. Water mixed with debris and stones surged into nearby shops, damaging property and flooding interiors.

Police and local authorities acted swiftly to remove the debris and secure the affected locations.