In this monsoon season in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, the aggressive attitude of nature is not showing any signs of stopping. The continuous torrential rains in the hilly and plain areas of the state have completely derailed normal life. India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Meteorological Center Dehradun have issued a new advisory for the state, warning that a new round of severe to very severe rainfall is going to begin in most parts of Uttarakhand from 14 to 17 August 2026. The mountain slopes have become extremely vulnerable to incessant rains, which has increased the risk of landslides on many major national highways and rural roads. The state government and the disaster management department have issued instructions to the district magistrates of all sensitive districts to remain on high alert round the clock. Meteorological Department's warning from 14th to 17th August: Chances of torrential rain in many districts. According to the forecast of the Meteorological Center, a big change will once again be seen in the weather of Uttarakhand between 14th August and 17th August. There is a possibility of extremely intense spell of rain and lightning at some places in Dehradun, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh and Nainital districts. Meteorologists say that due to the moist winds coming from the Bay of Bengal and the active western disturbance, a situation like cloudburst-like conditions can be created in the mountains in a short time. Along with this, waterlogging may also occur in plain areas like Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar with heavy showers. Danger of landslides increased due to debris on Chardham Yatra routes, highways blocked. Due to continuous torrential rains, there has been a huge increase in incidents of landslides on the inaccessible hilly roads of Uttarakhand. Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway (NH-58) has been disrupted for hours due to repeated falling of huge stones and debris from the hill near Helang, Pagalnala and Nandprayag in Chamoli district. At the same time, Gangotri National Highway is at a standstill due to debris near Dharasu and Nalupani, while Yamunotri Highway is being closed due to continuous landslides in Silai Band, Sayanachatti and Jangalchatti. JCB and Pokeland machines of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Border Roads Organization (BRO) are working day and night to open the route, but due to continuous falling stones, relief and rescue operations are facing huge risks. Alaknanda, Mandakini and Bhagirathi in spate; The water level of Ganga reached near the danger mark. Intermittent heavy rains in the mountains are having a direct impact on the water level of the major rivers of the state and their tributaries. Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers in Rudraprayag are flowing around the danger mark, while the water level of Bhagirathi river in Devprayag has crossed the warning level. The velocity and water level of river Ganga has increased significantly in Rishikesh and Haridwar, due to which there is an atmosphere of panic among the people living in the coastal areas. The Central Water Commission (CWC) and the local administration are alerting people living on the river banks through loudspeakers and appealing to move to safe places or relief camps. Disaster management and administration on high alert: Chief Minister gave instructions for immediate action Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached the State Disaster Operation Center and reviewed the situation of rain and disaster across the state. The Chief Minister has directed all District Magistrates to keep the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police forces on standby to deal with any emergency. Plans have been made to shift pregnant women and elderly people to safer places in highly sensitive areas in advance. Apart from this, in view of the alert of heavy rain, precautionary holiday is being declared in all government and non-government schools and Anganwadi centers from primary to 12th in many districts. Special Advisory for Tourists, Devotees and Local Residents Keeping in mind the forecast of heavy rains from August 14 to 17, the Government of Uttarakhand has issued a detailed safety advisory for tourists, Chardham pilgrims and local residents visiting the state: Avoid unnecessary travel: Completely avoid night time travel on mountain passes unless absolutely necessary during the period of heavy rains. Keep updated about weather and route: Before starting the journey, check the official social media handles of Uttarakhand Police and updates of Meteorological Department. Restrictions on going on the banks of rivers and streams: Avoid going on the banks of overflowing rain drains and rivers and do not stop vehicles in landslide prone areas. Keep emergency numbers nearby: In case of any kind of accident or road closure, in case of emergency, immediately contact 112 or District Disaster Management Control Room numbers. The next four days in Uttarakhand are going to be very challenging from the weather point of view. The administration is closely monitoring the situation so that loss of life and property can be prevented.
