Uttarakhand has been grappling with a severe monsoon season, resulting in a grim tally of at least 65 deaths in June due to rain-related incidents. This figure is double the 32 fatalities recorded during the same period last year, as reported by the state emergency operation centre. The devastation highlights the increased vulnerability of the region to natural disasters, exacerbated by factors such as early monsoon arrival and ongoing construction activities.
Of the 65 deaths, a significant number, 45, resulted from road accidents, often caused by dangerous conditions in the hilly regions during continuous rainfall. The remaining 20 deaths were attributed to natural disasters, including landslides and flash floods. In addition to the fatalities, 18 people remain missing, with nine disappearances linked to road mishaps and another nine to natural calamities.
The monsoon's early and intense arrival has triggered widespread landslides and slope failures. Experts have pointed to the destabilization of slopes due to ongoing road-widening projects in the hills, which leave loose debris at mid-elevations. The combination of heavy rainfall and unstable terrain has proven deadly, disrupting travel and endangering communities.
Several incidents have contributed to the high death toll. A bus carrying Char Dham pilgrims plunged into the Alaknanda river in Rudraprayag after colliding with a speeding truck, resulting in five deaths and seven missing passengers. A cloudburst in the Badkot area of Uttarkashi triggered a landslide that struck a labor camp, killing two construction workers and leaving seven others missing. In another incident, two tragic accidents occurred on June 26, 2025, due to continuous rainfall causing dangerous road conditions, with at least 12 people feared dead and many others injured in Rudraprayag and Dehradun districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts of Uttarakhand, including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, and Nainital. These alerts have prompted authorities to suspend the Char Dham Yatra temporarily to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Pilgrims heading to Badrinath and Kedarnath are being stopped at Srinagar or Rudraprayag, while those en route to Yamunotri and Gangotri are being held at Vikasnagar and Barkot. Those already at the shrines are being brought back under strict safety measures.
The rise in fatalities coincides with a 29% increase in Char Dham pilgrims, with 1.82 million visiting the shrines between June 1 and 28, up from 1.41 million last year. This surge in tourism places additional strain on the region's infrastructure and resources, increasing the risk of accidents and disasters.
The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) is planning mock drills in plain areas. Emergency services, including the police, SDRF, and local health departments, are on high alert. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised support to the injured, directing district officials to ensure swift medical assistance and ordering a detailed probe into the accidents. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been informed, and the state government is expected to review road safety measures in high-risk areas.
As the monsoon season continues, Uttarakhand remains on high alert, with authorities and residents bracing for further challenges. The focus is on rescue operations, providing aid to affected communities, and implementing measures to mitigate the impact of future disasters.
