DEHRADUN: Torrential overnight rains triggered flooding and destruction across Dehradun, leaving two people missing in the Sahastradhara area and damaging hotels, shops, and other structures.
District officials said residents were evacuated during the night. Though locals reported a cloudburst, authorities are still verifying whether it was a cloudburst or an instance of extremely heavy rain. “Roads are blocked but we are trying to reach the site. Some shops have been washed away but there has been no loss of life so far,” said district disaster management officer Rishabh Kumar.
Debris swept through the main market, damaging several buildings including two small hotels, while SDRF and fire services struggled to access the area due to blocked roads. Heavy debris was also spotted near the IT Park, and videos of the destruction are circulating widely online.
The rains have left the Tamsa, Tons, and Song rivers swollen. The approach bridge at Maldevta was washed away, cutting off the locality. The historic Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple was inundated with rubble covering much of the premises and furniture swept away.
Schools in the district remain shut, with a red alert in force till 9 am. Authorities have urged people living near riverbanks to remain cautious. Heavy rain damage has also been reported from Rishikesh and Mussoorie.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, assuring all possible central assistance. Dhami said rescue and relief operations are being conducted on a war footing and thanked the leaders for their support.
