Heavy rain across Uttarakhand has prompted authorities to suspend the Char Dham Yatra until September 27 and close schools up to Class 12 in five districts as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red and orange alerts.
The pilgrimage was suspended from the afternoon of September 26 following warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
Authorities said the decision was taken for the safety of pilgrims, with the yatra set to resume only after weather conditions improve.
Red, Orange Alerts Issued
The IMD issued a Red Alert for Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar on Saturday, while Dehradun, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Almora were under an Orange Alert. Haridwar, Uttarkashi and Tehri were placed under a Yellow Alert.
For Sunday, red alerts were issued for Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri and Haridwar, with orange alerts for Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Nainital and Rudraprayag.
The rain has raised concerns over landslides, road blockages, rising river levels and waterlogging.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers and waterlogged areas.
Authorities have placed district administrations and concerned departments on 24-hour alert to monitor vulnerable areas, rivers, hill roads, pilgrimage routes and tourist destinations.
No casualties or major damage had been reported so far.
