Rishikesh: Uttarakhand is bracing for continued severe weather as heavy monsoon rains have led to a significant rise in the water level of the Ganga River in Rishikesh. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police are actively appealing to the public to move to safer areas, with continuous rainfall expected to exacerbate the situation.

In Rishikesh, the Ganga River is currently flowing just below the warning mark of 1.38 cm, a direct consequence of the intense rainfall that commenced last night. In response, rescue teams have been placed on high alert, and administrative officials are continuously patrolling sensitive areas including Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti, and Laxman Jhula. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant.

"Teams have been deployed in sensitive areas and people have been alerted. We are also making announcements at the Triveni Ghat," stated Harish, Head Constable of the Water Police, speaking to ANI.

The Regional Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, has issued a red alert for "very heavy rainfall" along with "thunderstorms, lightning and squall" for the districts of Dehradun, Uttarkashi, and Tehri Garhwal for Tuesday. An orange alert has been declared for Pauri Garhwal, Champawat, Nainital, and Rudraprayag districts, while a yellow alert is in place for the remaining districts, including Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Almora, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar.

Beyond the Ganga's rising levels, the heavy rains have already caused disruptions elsewhere in the state. On Monday, Uttarkashi Superintendent of Police (SP) Sarita Dobhal inspected landslide-affected zones along the Yamunotri National Highway. The highway itself was reportedly blocked at two locations between Silai Band and Ojri due to parts of the road being washed out.

According to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Tehri Garhwal recorded an average rainfall of 79.2 mm on Sunday alone. The downpours have also led to power outages in Agrakhaal, Chamba, Jakhindhar, and Dughamandar areas, with water supply also disrupted in the Chamba block. Authorities continue to advise extreme caution as the monsoon intensifies across the Himalayan state.

With inputs from ANI