Uttarakhand: Landslide in Chamoli blocks Badrinath National Highway, incessant rains trap vehicles, people

livemint.com:

National Highway (NH-7) in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has been blocked due to heavy rainfall causing boulders and debris to fall from the hills onto the highway near Pipalkoti, according to officials on July 13 morning. Landslides triggered by the continuous rains have also affected several other areas along the same highway, including Pagal Nala, Gulabkoti and Helang, ANI reported. As an intense spell of monsoon rain continued over the northwestern Himalayan region numerous roads were blocked and several people were stuck due to landslides.

To ensure the safety of pilgrims, the Chamoli district administration has taken precautionary measures and halted their journey at secure locations such as Gauchar, Karnprayag, and Nandprayag. The Badrinath National Highway in Chamoli district has been closed at five points between Chamoli and Joshimath due to landslides. To ensure the safety of pilgrims visiting Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib, the district administration has relocated them to safe areas in Gauchar, Karnprayag and Nandprayag, PTI reported.

The ongoing intense monsoon rains in the northwestern Himalayan region have resulted in multiple road blockages, leaving several individuals stranded due to landslides. Despite the hazardous conditions, some people have been risking their lives by attempting to cross dangerous stretches. In Dharali, along the Gangotri Highway, drivers of large vehicles have been endangering themselves while navigating the treacherous road.