The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Uttarakhand, warning of extremely heavy rain over the next two days. The Char Dham yatra has been temporarily suspended as a precaution.

The alert covers several hill districts, where rainfall of more than 200 millimetres is possible in 24 hours. The state disaster management authority has asked pilgrims to stay where they are and not head towards the shrines.

Authorities have deployed rescue teams along the yatra routes. Control rooms are working round the clock, and police have been asked to stop vehicles at safe points. Landslides are a major worry on the narrow mountain roads.

The yatra will resume once the weather clears, officials said. Pilgrims with bookings have been advised to check official updates before travelling. The state government said saving lives is the top priority during the alert period. Schools in the affected districts have been closed, and the state has cancelled leave for all disaster-response staff until the alert is lifted.