India, Aug. 3 -- Heavy rain lashed Uttarakhand over the past 24 hours, damaging part of the Hanuman Chatti bridge on the Badrinath Highway and triggering landslides that closed at least 83 roads on Sunday. A flood alert was also issued after the Vishnuprayag barrage released 70 cumecs of water into the Alaknanda river in Haridwar.

The abutment and safety wall on both sides of the Hanuman Chatti bridge were washed away following heavy downpours in the upper reaches, including areas near the Valley of Flowers. Pilgrims en route to Badrinath are being asked to cross the bridge on foot.

"The general reserve engineer force inspected the damage and, as a precaution, heavy vehicles were barred. Only light vehicles up to 9 tonnes are being allo...