Dehradun: Torrential rain has triggered landslides, swollen rivers and widespread road closures across Uttarakhand, with five people killed in rain-related incidents in Almora as authorities race to clear debris and restore connectivity.

Nainital hit by landslides and swollen rivers

Nainital witnessed intense rainfall on Tuesday, with swollen rivers and streams flowing at dangerous levels across the hill state. Videos from the region showed muddy torrents rushing beneath bridges while vehicles continued to move through affected stretches.

The Gaula River in Haldwani has also risen sharply, while several streams and seasonal channels are flowing close to or above danger levels.

Heavy rain has caused waterfalls to appear at several locations, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing weather spell.

Boulders crash onto roads

The Haldwani-Nainital highway has been badly affected by landslides, particularly between Do Gaon and Jyolikot.

Falling boulders and debris have blocked stretches of road and stranded commuters. Two cars were caught in separate incidents, with one appearing to have been damaged after being hit by falling rocks. No casualties were reported in these incidents.

The landslides have disrupted both major routes connecting Nainital with Haldwani and Kaladhungi.

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141 roads closed across Kumaon

The disruption has spread across the Kumaon region, where 141 roads have been reported closed.

Affected routes include national highways, state highways, border roads and roads connecting remote villages in districts including Pithoragarh, Almora, Bageshwar and Champawat.

Nainital Additional District Magistrate Vivek Rai said JCB machines were being used continuously to remove debris from key routes, including the Haldwani-Nainital, Haldwani-Bhimtal and Haldwani-Kaladhungi roads.

Authorities said the Kaladhungi-Nainital route was expected to reopen shortly, subject to clearance operations.

Five killed in Almora

Almora has reported five deaths in separate rain-related incidents after people were buried under debris.

Three people were killed in Hawalbagh block, while two Nepali labourers died after being trapped under debris at Dhar Ki Tuni.

The district administration has placed officials on alert following the incidents.

Schools from Anganwadi centres through Class 12 have also been ordered to remain closed in Almora on September 2 as a precaution.

IMD orange alert amid heavy rainfall

The India Meteorological Department had issued an orange alert for the region as Uttarakhand experienced continuous rainfall over two days.

The current spell has brought renewed risks of landslides, flash flooding and disruption in hilly areas.

The weather comes as the monsoon season approaches its expected withdrawal phase, with the IMD indicating that monsoon withdrawal could begin around September 15.

Authorities urge residents to stay cautious

Almora District Magistrate Anshul Singh held an emergency meeting after the deaths and urged residents to remain cautious during periods of intense rainfall.

Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from vulnerable slopes, rivers, streams and debris-prone areas.

With roads being cleared continuously, authorities are also monitoring connectivity routes where further landslides could occur.

Why Uttarakhand remains vulnerable to landslides

Uttarakhand's mountainous terrain makes the state particularly vulnerable to landslides during periods of intense rainfall. Saturated slopes can become unstable, while falling rocks and debris can quickly block roads and damage infrastructure.

The combination of heavy rain, steep slopes and narrow mountain roads also makes rescue and road-clearance operations difficult.

For travellers, even roads that appear open can become hazardous if rainfall continues and fresh debris falls onto the carriageway.

What the latest situation means

The immediate priority for authorities is restoring road connectivity, monitoring rivers and streams, and preventing further casualties in vulnerable areas.

The five deaths in Almora and the widespread closure of roads show the seriousness of the latest rainfall spell. Nainital and other tourist areas also face additional disruption because landslides have affected important routes used by residents and visitors.

Authorities are likely to keep monitoring rainfall and river levels closely as the weather system continues.