Heavy rains lashed Uttarakhand state on Wednesday, triggering landslides that closed 71 roads, killed a woman in Pithoragarh district, and created a 600-metre-long artificial lake on the Ramganga River, prompting authorities to monitor the risk of flash floods.
The deceased, Saraswati Devi, a resident of Siankuri village in Pithoragarh, had gone to collect fodder in Bans Tok area on Tuesday evening when rocks slid from a hill above her. She lost her balance and fell into a ravine and died, according to the area’s emergency operations center.
Debris and rocks from the hillside slid into the river after heavy rains on July 4, officials said. The impounded water is gradually extending towards Bhaiskot village, alarming an estimated 600-700 residents of about five villages, including Bhaishal, Basgaon and Chiba.
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The slopes of Ratigad and Haradiya along the Thal-Munsiyari road have been prone to landslides for a long time. Similar lakes formed on the Ramganga River after rapids collapsed in 2013, 2016 and 2024. Experts warned that a sudden breach of impounded water bodies could lead to flash floods downstream.
The rising water levels also washed away temporary bridges across the Ramganga river, disrupting communication between villages in Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts and forcing residents to take longer diversionary routes.
Lalit Mohan Tiwari, Munsiyari sub-divisional magistrate, said officials have inspected vulnerable sites, including Haradiya, and are closely monitoring the situation. He added that appropriate measures will be taken if necessary.
SS Bisht, assistant engineer of the Irrigation Department, said debris from the Haradiyah hillside was still entering the river channel after rains fell overnight, causing the lake to widen. “Water is still flowing through the river and people are advised not to venture near the edge of the lake,” he said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert on Thursday and Friday, warning of heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms and heavy rain spells in several areas.
Chorgalia in Nainital district recorded the highest rainfall in the state between 6 am and 9 am on Wednesday at 81.5 mm. In Dehradun district, Hathiparkala received 68 mm and Maldevta 47.5 mm. Other notable rainfall figures included 44 mm in Rudrapur, 40.5 mm in Pantnagar, 39.5 mm in Yamkeshwar, and 35.5 mm each in Mukeshwar and Bhimtal.
The state witnessed 15.2 mm of rain during the 24 hours that ended at 8:30 am on Wednesday, compared to the normal rate of 12.2 mm, an increase of 24%. Udham Singh Nagar emerged as the wettest district, recording 38.5 mm rainfall as against 13 mm, a surplus of 196%. Nainital, Champawat and Haridwar also recorded significant rainfall surplus, while Puri, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi recorded deficit. Dehradun received 15 mm, which is close to normal for the period.
In Tehri district, intermittent rains led to minor landslides blocking six roads – four of them under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and two managed by the Public Works Department. Debris removal operations were underway on Wednesday to restore connectivity.
Authorities continued to monitor river levels. At 9 am, the Ganges river level in Devprayag stood at 453.70 metres, below the warning mark of 462 metres, while the Alaknanda river level in Srinagar stood at 532.80 metres, also below the warning mark. The Ganges river in Rishikesh remained safely below danger level. In neighboring Puri district, officials said the Alaknanda River in Srinagar was showing a downward trend by Wednesday afternoon.
The Yamunotri National Highway, which was closed near Sayana Chatti in Uttarkashi district, was reopened to traffic on Wednesday morning. Officials advised passengers to heed police and administrative warnings, as further rainfall could lead to new disturbances.
According to IMD, the orange alert for July 9 covers Dehradun, Tehri, Puri, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital and Champawat districts. On July 10, the focus shifts to Nainital, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, Puri and Bageshwar. Yellow alerts for heavy rain and thunderstorms will remain in effect in parts of the state through the end of the week.
“With the monsoon now covering the entire state, rain activity has increased,” said Rohit Thapliyal, senior scientist at IMD’s Dehradun Centre.
