Intense rainfall in the mountainous regions of Peepal Kothi, Uttarakhand, caused significant damage, resulting in the loss of two lives and injuries to six others.
Additionally, 17 individuals were hurt due to structural damage caused by the heavy downpour. The affected area, especially along the Badrinath Highway, experienced a series of unfortunate incidents due to the relentless rainfall.
The adverse weather conditions prompted the closure of the Badrinath-Rishikesh highway near Sirobagadh, disrupting the movement of pilgrims heading to sites like Badrinath and Kedarnath. As a result, people found themselves stranded in places such as Srikot-Srinagar and Kaliyasod.
Srinagar’s Kotwal, Hoshiyar Singh Pankholi, assured that efforts are underway to assist stranded passengers. However, ongoing debris slides in Sirobagadh have impeded reopening the highway, presenting challenges for travel and transportation in the affected areas.
The Uttarakhand police, using social media platform X, issued a statement regarding the blockade of the national highway caused by falling debris and rocks near Sirobagadh. An alternative route via Chanti Khal has also been rendered impassable, further complicating travel arrangements.
The forecast from the India Meteorological Department contributes to the existing worries, as it predicts thunderstorms accompanied by hail in Rudraprayag until Monday, along with ongoing rainfall in different areas of the state. The authorities are closely observing the situation and eagerly anticipating additional updates and information, as the region deals with the consequences of the intense rainfall and resulting disturbances.
