Dehradun Reels from Flash Floods; Two Missing in Sahastradhara as Cloudburst Wreaks Havoc

In a night of relentless and heavy downpour, a suspected cloudburst in the Sahastradhara area of Dehradun has triggered flash floods, leaving a trail of destruction and prompting a large-scale rescue and relief operation. Authorities have confirmed that two people are currently missing, and a widespread search is underway to locate them.

The torrential rains, which pounded the city on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, caused rivers and streams to swell to dangerous levels, leading to flash floods that submerged parts of the popular tourist destination. The rising waters swept away several roadside shops and commercial structures, causing significant property damage. Locals have been quick to share harrowing videos on social media, showing cars submerged and debris-laden water flowing ferociously through what were once bustling market streets.

While the exact cause is being investigated, officials from the district administration stated that locals have reported it as a cloudburst. However, they are awaiting confirmation from weather system data. Regardless of the official classification, the sheer volume of water has overwhelmed the local drainage systems, causing widespread devastation.

The impact of the deluge was felt across multiple areas. The approach bridge at Maldevta was completely washed away, effectively cutting off the region. The iconic Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple, a revered shrine in the city, was also heavily affected, with floodwaters inundating its premises and leaving it covered in debris. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other rescue teams were deployed immediately, but their efforts were hampered by blocked roads and ongoing rain. Despite the challenges, rescue teams have successfully evacuated several people from affected areas and rescued a number of individuals who were trapped in the raging waters.

In response to the severe weather, all schools from Class 1 to 12 in the Dehradun district have been closed for the day, and a red alert has been issued. District officials are urging residents, particularly those living near river embankments, to stay vigilant and avoid venturing into low-lying areas. The situation remains critical as the administration, police, and disaster management teams work on a war footing to clear debris, restore connectivity, and provide assistance to those affected by the floods.

Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been in constant contact with the local administration, personally monitoring the situation. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have also spoken with the Chief Minister, assuring him of all possible assistance from the central government. The Prime Minister had previously visited the state to review the situation following earlier monsoon-related disasters and had announced a relief package to aid in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. This latest incident, however, underscores the recurring threat of natural calamities in the Himalayan state and the pressing need for long-term disaster management strategies.