Torrential rain struck Uttarkashi district on Thursday night, unleashing catastrophic flooding that has severely impacted the Yamunotri Dham region. The deluge, triggered by intense rainfall, caused the Yamuna river to overflow its banks, resulting in significant destruction across the area.
The flooding breached embankments near the Yamunotri Dham, leading to the collapse of the safety wall of the bridge connecting the renowned Yamunotri temple. The swollen river inundated the parking area in Janakichatti, heightening fears among local residents. Eyewitnesses reported that the floodwaters swept away three mules and a motorcycle in Janakichatti, while erosion in the area compromised the road infrastructure adjacent to the Shubham Palace Hotel. The floodwaters have caused extensive damage to local infrastructure, including the complete destruction of embankments along the Yamuna river at Yamunotri Dham. The primary access road to the temple has been heavily damaged, complicating access to the religious site.
In addition, the Pujari Mahasabha rooms situated by the Yamuna have been adversely affected, and the temple’s generator was reported missing, carried away by the surging waters. The bathing ghats along the river have been obliterated, and the registration verification centre at the Ram Mandir, situated on the footpath leading to Yamunotri Dham, has also sustained damage. Authorities have issued warnings via loudspeakers to residents in lower-lying areas, advising them to remain vigilant as the Yamuna river continues to rise. By the morning, water levels in Janakichatti had receded, providing some relief.
However, the disruption caused by the severe rainfall has thrown daily life in the district into disarray. Local authorities are actively engaged in efforts to restore normalcy and address the extensive damage caused by the floods. As the situation stabilises, ongoing assessments will determine the full extent of the infrastructure damage and the necessary recovery measures. The priority remains on ensuring public safety and reestablishing the essential services and infrastructure that have been impacted.
