**Incessant Rainfall Disrupts Connectivity in Uttarakhand**
Heavy and continuous rainfall in Uttarakhand has caused significant destruction, including the collapse of a crucial bridge that connects India and China, isolating numerous villages. In the Chamoli district, a vital motorable bridge on the Jyotirmath-Malari highway near Tamak was swept away around 2 AM on Sunday due to a surge in the Tamak stream, which had swollen from intense upstream rainfall. This bridge served as the only direct access route to the Indo-China border in the area.
The incident occurred near the Dhauliganga river, a tributary of the Alaknanda, and has disrupted connectivity to over a dozen border villages in the remote Niti Valley. While there have been no reported casualties from this specific event, the damage is extensive, and officials anticipate that restoration efforts will take considerable time. Additionally, a section of the adjacent Border Roads Organisation (BRO) road was also lost in the flooding.
Multiple key highways have become impassable due to landslides and debris. The Badrinath National Highway is blocked at Bhanirpani and Paaglanala, between Chamoli and Jyotirmath, prompting emergency clearance operations with heavy machinery. Similarly, the Kund-Chamoli National Highway, which connects Kedarnath to Chamoli, has been closed following a landslide near Bairagana.
The pilgrimage route to Yamunotri Dham is also under severe threat. In Uttarkashi, the rising waters of the Yamuna river have overflowed the bridge at Shyana Chatti, making travel extremely hazardous and disrupting safe vehicular movement. Rudraprayag and Chamoli have emerged as the most severely affected districts. A cloudburst in the Mopata area of Dewal has left two individuals missing and injured another couple after debris engulfed their home. A cowshed was also destroyed, with 15-20 animals feared trapped under the rubble.
By Friday morning, the Alaknanda river had surpassed the danger mark in Rudraprayag, inundating homes and creating a flood-like situation. Several areas have been evacuated, and the revered Hanuman temple in the town has been submerged. So far, at least five lives have been lost, and 11 individuals remain missing as the state continues to face the challenges posed by the relentless monsoon.
Rescue and relief operations are currently underway, but ongoing rainfall and widespread infrastructure damage are complicating these efforts.
**FAQ**
**Q: What impact has the recent rainfall had on Uttarakhand?**
A: The incessant rainfall has caused significant damage, including the collapse of a key bridge connecting India and China, isolating several villages and disrupting major highways.
