Uttarakhand Battles Intensified Flooding Amidst Red Alert for Heavy Rainfall

Uttarakhand is currently grappling with severe flooding and widespread disruption due to relentless, heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a critical red alert, forecasting exceptionally heavy precipitation over the next two days, indicating a period of significant challenges for the state. The mountainous terrain is particularly vulnerable, with numerous roads rendered impassable by landslides and accumulated debris, including the Jawadi Bypass Road and the road near Bhatwadi Sain. Efforts are underway to reopen the Badrinath Highway, but the overall impact on transportation networks remains substantial.

The human toll is significant, with a reported fatality in Chamoli district due to a boulder strike during the flash floods. Infrastructure has also suffered immense damage, with hotels and residential buildings reportedly swept away. Rescue operations are in full swing, with the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and police actively engaged across multiple affected districts. As of August 11, 2025, helicopters have conducted over 260 sorties since August 7. A significant cloudburst in Uttarkashi district on August 5 caused havoc, leading to evacuations and substantial infrastructure damage, including the blockage of 163 roads. The IMD's red alert highlights the ongoing critical nature of the situation, with forecasts indicating continued heavy rainfall, exacerbating the risk of further landslides and flash floods.