Uttarakhand Issues Relocation Advisory as Alaknanda River Rises Above Warning Level in Rudraprayag

The Alaknanda River has risen above the warning level at Rudraprayag, prompting local authorities to intensify monitoring and issue safety advisories for people living in flood-prone areas. Residents residing near the riverbanks and other vulnerable locations have been urged to remain alert and relocate to safer places as a precaution.

Persistent rainfall across the district has caused rivers, streams, and drainage channels to swell, leading to a continuous rise in water levels. In response, the Rudraprayag Municipal Council has been conducting public announcements across the town, urging people—especially those living close to the river—to leave high-risk areas until conditions improve.

Municipal Council Chairperson Santosh Rawat said that heavy rainfall throughout the region has significantly increased the flow of rivers and streams, creating a potential flood risk. He stated that the administration is requesting residents in affected localities to shift to safer places, while teams are on standby to provide assistance wherever needed. According to Rawat, municipal staff have been deployed across the town to spread awareness and respond quickly to emergency situations. Relief measures are being coordinated to ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable areas.

The rising river has also disrupted access to several homes situated along the banks of the Alaknanda. Meanwhile, the Rudraprayag Sangam and nearby ghats have been submerged due to the increase in the river's water level. Officials continue to keep a close watch on the situation and have appealed to residents to strictly follow safety instructions issued by the administration.

The latest developments come amid widespread disruption caused by heavy rains in Uttarakhand. Earlier on Thursday, authorities temporarily suspended the Kedarnath Yatra after a major landslide blocked the trekking route near Gaurikund. The landslide, which occurred around 200 metres beyond the Gaurikund Gate, sent large rocks and debris crashing onto the pilgrimage trail, making the route impassable. Falling debris also affected traffic movement on the Kedarnath Highway near Munkatiya.

As a precaution, officials halted the pilgrimage and safely shifted stranded devotees to secure locations. Personnel from the police, district administration, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other agencies reached the affected site to clear debris, assess damage, and restore connectivity as quickly as possible.