Heavy rain disrupts normal life in Uttarakhand

Dehradun, July 11: Heavy rain pounded the hill state of Uttarakhand on Saturday, disrupting normal life at most places. The ongoing annual Chaar Dhaam Yatra pilgrimage was halted, officials said.

A massive landslide was reported from Baliyanala in Nainital, the tourist spot which has been battered by downpour for the last few days.

Officials said they had no information on any loss of life. All schools and educational institutions have been closed by the district administration in Pithoragarh due to heavy rain for the past two days.

Following many landslides en-route to the shrine of Badrinath, hundreds of pilgrims have been stranded at various places and have been sent to safe places.

A major landslide has taken place near Mulygaon in Tihri, disrupting the Badrinath highway. The Kedarnath yatra has also been halted briefly, an official told IANS.

Landslides have taken place at Nalupani and Laldang on the Gangotri highway blocking traffic.

Heavy rain has also been reported from Srinagar where BSNL phone lines have been affected. Rain is also lashing Uttarkashi and the Bhaghirathi river has breached the danger mark.

Officials were busy shifting people living near rivers to safer places. The Met department predicted similar weather in the coming few days.

IANS