Uttarakhand shuts schools in 4 districts amid rain alert; Haridwar flooded, trains disrupted

Amid an intensifying monsoon spell, the Uttarakhand government on Tuesday ordered the closure of all schools from Classes 1 to 12 and Anganwadi centres in four districts—Almora, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag—after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heavy rainfall warning.

The precautionary move comes as continuous downpours raise the risk of flash floods, landslides, and widespread disruption in the hill state.

Safety First, Say Officials

District authorities stated that the decision to suspend academic activity is temporary but necessary to ensure the safety of students in vulnerable regions.

"Student safety is paramount. Classes will remain suspended until conditions improve," a Chamoli district official said, citing the IMD's alert of “heavy to very heavy rainfall” in isolated parts of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions.

The state has witnessed road blockages, minor landslides, and increased vulnerability in recent days, prompting administrations to advise school authorities to stay alert for further instructions.

Haridwar Faces Waterlogging; Ganga on the Rise

In the plains, Haridwar witnessed severe waterlogging in several areas following intense rainfall on Tuesday. With the Ganga River swelling, police urged residents and pilgrims to avoid the riverbanks.

"The situation is being closely monitored. People should avoid unnecessary movement near the riverbanks," officials from Haridwar Police said.

Boulder Disrupts Rail Traffic

Rail services between Haridwar and Dehradun were temporarily affected after a boulder fell on the tracks near Motichur. Northern Railways reported that a protective canopy over the line prevented any major damage.

“No injury or casualty has occurred. Our restoration teams are on-site and working to clear the obstruction,” the railway authorities confirmed.

Three trains—12369 and 12370 Kumbh Express (Howrah–Dehradun) and 12055 Jan Shatabdi Express—were short-terminated at Haridwar due to the incident.

Disaster Response on Standby

With hill slopes fragile and rivers in spate, the state disaster response forces have been placed on high alert. SDRF teams have been deployed to sensitive areas, while emergency helplines have been activated across districts.

Residents have been urged to stay indoors and follow safety advisories. Education officials added that in case school closures extend further, compensatory academic arrangements will be planned.