Almora District 2, Monsoon Hazards

Northern India16 photographs2008

During the monsoon, travel can get tricky. See for yourself.

Here's the Kosi River as it comes down from Almora District to the Gangetic Plain. This is the dry season.

Here's the Kosi River as it comes down from Almora District to the Gangetic Plain. This is the dry season.

A few months later and a few miles downstream. Traffic is blocked by high water at a weir. It's been blocked for at least 12 hours.

A few months later and a few miles downstream. Traffic is blocked by high water at a weir. It's been blocked for at least 12 hours.

Gradually, the spate subsides, and drivers ponder when to attempt a crossing.

Gradually, the spate subsides, and drivers ponder when to attempt a crossing.

Finally, a tractor ventures across.

Finally, a tractor ventures across.

An SUV follows in tow.

An SUV follows in tow.

Risk is fun.

Risk is fun.

He makes it across.

He makes it across.

So does he, despite the resistance he offers.

So does he, despite the resistance he offers.

Farther downstream, the river runs free.

Farther downstream, the river runs free.

And wide.

And wide.

Rice is happy.

Rice is happy.

Roads are wet.

Roads are wet.

A logging crew is at work cutting down roadside eucalyptus.

A logging crew is at work cutting down roadside eucalyptus.

No machines, please. Just saws, axes, and sweat.

No machines, please. Just saws, axes, and sweat.

Buckers.

Buckers.

Bark peelers.

Bark peelers.