IMD Issues 4-Day Rain Warning As Rising Alaknanda, Mandakini Rivers Put Rudraprayag On Alert

Relentless rain across Uttarakhand has put the Rudraprayag administration on alert as water levels in the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers continue to rise. While both rivers remain below the warning mark, officials are keeping a close watch with more rainfall expected over the next few days.

River Levels Rising As Rain Continues

The southwest monsoon, which arrived in Uttarakhand on June 30, has picked up pace across the state, bringing steady rain to several districts, including Rudraprayag and Dehradun. The continuous showers have increased the flow in the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, raising concerns over a further rise if rainfall persists.

Officials said the Alaknanda River's water level rose from 622 metres above sea level on Tuesday to 622.5 metres on Wednesday due to rainfall in the upper Himalayan region. Although the river is still below the warning level, authorities are monitoring the situation round the clock.

Administration Ready To Act If Water Level Rises Further

The District Disaster Control Room is tracking water levels in both rivers and has prepared a response plan in case the situation worsens. Officials said the warning level for the river is 626 metres above sea level, while the danger mark is 627 metres.

Rajwar said, "The water level in the region has reached 622 meters due to rainfall in the upper Himalayan areas. The warning level is 626 meters above sea level, and the dangerous level is 627 meters. When the water level approaches the warning level, alerts are sent out via WhatsApp groups, announcements are made using vehicles, and personnel go to the ground to warn people."

The administration said that once the river reaches the warning level, alerts will be shared through WhatsApp groups, public announcements will be made using vehicles, and teams will be sent to vulnerable areas to warn residents and help them move to safety if required.

IMD Warns Of More Rain Till July 4

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Nainital, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal and Udham Singh Nagar, forecasting light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms. Rudraprayag, meanwhile, remains under a heavy rainfall alert till July 4.

Residents have been advised to avoid going near rivers and streams and stay away from landslide-prone areas. Authorities have also urged people to keep an eye on official weather updates and follow advisories issued by the district administration.

Rain Disrupts Traffic, State Reviews Disaster Preparedness

The spell of heavy rain has affected traffic at several locations in Uttarakhand. Movement on the Badrinath National Highway in Chamoli district and parts of the Kedarnath Yatra route in Rudraprayag has been disrupted because of falling debris and stones from nearby hills.

As a precaution, the movement of vehicles and pedestrians on the Sonprayag-Munkatiya road has been temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

With the monsoon becoming active across the state, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday reviewed the state-level pre-monsoon mock drill at the State Emergency Operations Centre in Dehradun. Conducted across all 13 districts, the exercise focused on strengthening disaster preparedness, improving coordination between departments and ensuring a faster response to emergencies during the ongoing monsoon season.