The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand, prompting the suspension of the Char Dham Yatra as a precaution.

Authorities in the hill state stopped pilgrim movement on the routes to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri after the alert was issued on September 27.

Heavy rain lashed several districts, raising fears of landslides on the fragile mountain roads that lead to the shrines.

A red alert was also issued for Mumbai, where the IMD warned of very heavy showers through September 30, and orange alerts covered parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat and the northeast.

The weather department said a low-pressure system and an active monsoon trough were driving the widespread rainfall. Officials have asked residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in the hills and to stay away from rivers and streams in spate. The alerts remain in force until September 30, with the IMD promising updated forecasts through the day.