India, Jan. 28 -- The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) on Wednesday issued an orange alert for a medium-level avalanche risk in high-altitude areas for the next 24 hours after overnight rain and snowfall blocked key routes, including the Gangotri and Yamunotri highways.

In Uttarkashi district, the Gangotri Highway was closed due to heavy overnight snowfall. Disaster management teams, along with the Border Roads Organisation, later cleared snow from the route. "The Gangotri Highway has been opened for traffic up to Sukki Top, while vehicles fitted with snow chains are allowed beyond that point towards Gangotri," Uttarkashi district disaster management officer Shardul Gusain said.

Snow clearance work was also carrie...