At least ten people were killed and eight others reported missing after a devastating cloudburst in Dehradun late Monday night triggered flash floods, landslides, and widespread destruction across several regions of Uttarakhand.
The calamity, centred in Sahastradhara, struck in the early hours of Tuesday, washing away hotels, shops, and houses, and severely damaging vital infrastructure. Authorities fear the toll may rise as rescue operations continue in full swing.
Widespread Damage Across Dehradun
According to Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, major damage was reported from Mal Devta in Dehradun and Mussoorie, where torrential rains led to flash floods and mudslides.
Heavy overnight showers swept away roads, commercial establishments, and a bridge, while landslides further hampered connectivity. 300–400 residents have been moved to safety as disaster response teams work round the clock.
Reports indicate that four people were swept away near Shikhar Fall in Bhagat Singh Colony and Tapkeshwar. At Mussoorie’s Jharipani toll plaza, a landslide buried two workers, killing one and injuring the other. Two more people are missing from Karli Gaad.
Multiple Rescue Operations
In Doiwala, several homes were inundated, prompting State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams to rescue stranded families. In Tehri, waterlogging at Geeta Bhawan left several residents stranded before they were evacuated.
Meanwhile, in Nainital, a major road was blocked by landslide debris, adding to the state’s connectivity woes. Residents of Majhara village reported that a landslide hit their homes in the early morning hours, leaving some villagers missing.
SDRF and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were mobilised overnight. Excavators and heavy machinery have been deployed to clear debris and assist in search and rescue.
SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi said, “Residents of the impacted areas have been moved to safer locations. The search for missing persons is being carried out on a war footing.”
In Parwal village near Jhajra, eight labourers were swept away by the swollen Asan River, which also carried away a tractor and a scooter. The Nanda Ki Chowki bridge was severely damaged, cutting off vital links.
Stranded Students and Fatal Incidents
The SDRF reported a major rescue operation at the Devbhoomi Institute campus in Ponda, where around 200 students were trapped due to waterlogging. All were successfully evacuated.
In a separate incident in Vikasnagar, a scooter rider was killed and another injured after being hit by falling rocks in the Jajred landslide zone on the Kalsi-Chakrata motor road.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Reviews Situation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspected the worst-hit regions of Maldevta and Kesarwala on Tuesday, assuring residents of immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation support.
“Heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, and government properties across the state, severely impacting lives,” Dhami said. He directed officials to clear blocked routes swiftly and restore essential services such as drinking water and electricity.
The Chief Minister added that all departments are working in close coordination for relief and rescue. He is monitoring the situation from the State Disaster Operations Centre and is in regular contact with District Magistrates.
Rising River Levels and Local Accounts
Heavy rains caused the Song River to swell, flooding nearby villages. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Hari Giri confirmed, “The water level is rising, and the flow is very strong right now. No tourist casualties have been reported, but we are maintaining strict vigilance.”
In Dehradun’s IT Park, severe waterlogging left several offices submerged. Hrithik Sharma, a local resident, said, “I have been stranded here since 5:30am. Cars are submerged, and water has entered basements and offices.”
Conclusion
The Dehradun cloudburst highlights the growing vulnerability of Uttarakhand to extreme weather events, often leading to flash floods and landslides that cause widespread loss of life and property. With SDRF and NDRF teams intensifying rescue operations and the state government pledging support, efforts are underway to restore normalcy in the disaster-hit regions.
