Red Alert Issued By IMD Due To Heavy Rainfall Threatening Kedarnath In Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand has a longstanding association with disasters, especially when the monsoon arrives. The devastating floods in Kedarnath in 2013 remain vivid in people's memories. This time, Uttarakhand is once again bracing for heavy rainfall. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in anticipation of the monsoon's imminent arrival in Uttarakhand. This has put Kedarnath, one of the Char Dhams, in the spotlight.

According to the weather department's forecast, the monsoon is advancing rapidly towards Uttarakhand. Over the next few days, heavy rainfall is expected in several Himalayan states, including Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir. IMD suggests that there is a possibility of cloud bursts in some places. Particularly in Uttarakhand, incessant rain could lead to landslides and floods. This may be why IMD has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand. Additionally, the weather department is studying the lakes around Kedarnath, indicating heightened risk in the Kedar Valley.

An altitude of approximately 4000 meters near the Kedarnath Temple, there are several snow-fed lakes. The weather department is currently checking the elevation, depth, and volume of these lakes. This effort aims to anticipate events like lake bursts or cloud bursts during heavy rainfall in advance. On June 30th, there was also an observed avalanche on the Sumeru mountain behind the Kedarnath Temple.

Also Read: Massive Avalanche Near Kedarnath Shrine at Gandhi Sarovar: Watch

The Mandakini River surrounds the Kedar Ghati. At an altitude of 12,975 feet above sea level, lies the Chorabari Lake near the Kedarnath Temple, also known as Gandhi Sarovar. About 2 kilometers from the temple, this lake is where the Mandakini River originates. The Mandakini River basin comprises a total of 19 lakes, from which several streams and rivers flow, varying in size.

Recently, On Sunday, an avalanche swept over Gandhi Sarovar in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand. A video shared by the news agency PTI captured the avalanche rushing down the slopes.

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