Dehradun, Uttarakhand – A massive cloudburst on the outskirts of Dehradun on Tuesday has triggered widespread devastation, leading to landslides and flash floods in the Sahastradhara area. The torrential downpour has resulted in the destruction of houses, roads, cars, and shops, with two people currently reported missing. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to the area to conduct search and rescue operations.
The heavy overnight rainfall has caused severe damage to shops and hotels in Sahastradhara, as floodwaters gushed through the main market. The rising water levels also affected the Tamsa River, which swelled and submerged the courtyard of the revered Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple. While the water reached the statue of Hanuman, officials confirmed that the sanctum sanctorum was not affected.
The torrential rains have also impacted local infrastructure. The bridge near Fun Valley and Uttarakhand Dental College on the Dehradun–Haridwar National Highway has been damaged, disrupting traffic. In Rishikesh, the Chandrabhaga River has been in spate since morning, with its waters reaching the highway. SDRF teams successfully rescued three people who were stranded in the river, though several vehicles remain stuck in the floodwaters.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have spoken with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to get a detailed update on the situation. Chief Minister Dhami is currently on-site, conducting an inspection of the affected areas in Dehradun district. He has directed officials to ensure that no affected family faces any inconvenience and to immediately provide relief materials, safe shelter, food, water, and health facilities.