A powerful cloudburst struck the outskirts of Uttarakhand’s Dehradun on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction. The Sahastradhara area faced heavy landslides and intense rainfall, which destroyed houses, roads, and shops while washing away cars. Authorities reported that two people are missing. Rescue teams from the SDRF and NDRF quickly rushed to the spot to begin relief operations.
Shops and Hotels Ravaged by Floodwaters
The continuous downpour since Monday night severely damaged shops and hotels in the Sahastradhara region. Floodwaters surged through the area, sweeping away properties and leaving many residents stranded.
The heavy rainfall also caused the Tamsa River to overflow, flooding the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, one of Dehradun’s most famous shrines. Water entered the temple courtyard and reached the Hanuman statue, but the sanctum sanctorum remained safe from damage.
Infrastructure Hit as Bridges and Roads Collapse
The relentless rains caused serious damage to infrastructure. The bridge near Fun Valley and Uttarakhand Dental College on the Dehradun–Haridwar National Highway suffered significant damage, disrupting traffic and isolating several areas.
Meanwhile, the Chandrabhaga River in Rishikesh overflowed, causing water to spill onto the highway. SDRF teams managed to rescue three people stranded in the river, but several vehicles remain trapped in the rising waters.
PM Modi and Home Minister Shah Review Situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to assess the situation. Both leaders obtained detailed updates on the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
Chief Minister Dhami visited the affected areas in Dehradun to conduct an on-site inspection. He was accompanied by local MLAs and senior officials. Dhami instructed authorities to ensure that all affected families receive immediate help, including safe shelter, food, drinking water, and healthcare facilities.
Recent Cloudburst in Uttarkashi
This disaster comes just days after a severe cloudburst hit the Dharali area of Uttarkashi on August 5, which triggered flash floods and landslides. That incident destroyed homes, hotels, and homestays, leading to multiple deaths and several missing persons. The devastation caused major damage to roads and infrastructure, prompting urgent rescue operations by the NDRF and ITBP.
Growing Concern Over Extreme Weather Events
The back-to-back cloudbursts in Uttarakhand have raised concerns about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the region. Authorities are on high alert, monitoring river levels and vulnerable areas to prevent further loss of life and property.