Bageshwar: Heavy overnight rain in Kapkot pushed the Saryu river close to danger levels, forcing authorities to clear vulnerable stretches along the riverbank and place police and disaster response teams on high alert on Friday.Rising water submerged parts of a bridge near Bheskhal and led officials to evacuate the Saryu Bagad settlement along the riverbank. The impact was also felt downstream in Bageshwar town, where authorities cleared Saryu Ghat as a precaution.On the instructions of Kapkot SDM Anil Chanyal, officials used loudspeakers and traditional drum beating to warn people to stay away from rivers and streams and move to safer locations.“The rivers, streams and gorges were all in spate. I had seen such a situation only in 2013, when the area suffered extensive damage during the disaster,” said local resident Deepak Takuli. Residents said some people still tried to cross swollen streams despite the risk to their lives.According to the disaster management department, mud and debris blocked more than 16 roads in the Kapkot area, including routes near the Turriya Tunnel and the Mikila-Khalpatta motor road.Officials warned that continued rainfall could trigger more landslides and cut off remote villages. They urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and follow weather and administration advisories. Authorities said they are monitoring river levels and have kept evacuation arrangements ready in case the situation worsens.