Dehradun Flood after Cloudburst: Bridge collapse and widespread damage reported

A severe cloudburst struck Dehradun, Uttarakhand on Monday night, triggered by heavy rainfall that submerged numerous houses in Tapovan and caused extensive waterlogging in Sahastradhara and the IT Park area. The flooding of the Karligaad rivulet led to major destruction, including the collapse of a critical bridge, with two people reported missing. Residents from affected areas have been evacuated to safer locations.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured the public that he is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts with local administration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Mr. Dhami to assess the situation, pledging full support and cooperation from the Central government. Home Minister Amit Shah also extended assurance of assistance, emphasizing strong relief and rescue efforts.

District officials including District Magistrate Savin Bansal and Sub Divisional Magistrate Kumkum Joshi supervised the ongoing rescue operations during the night. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Central Public Works Department (PWD) are actively involved in recovery efforts using bulldozers and other equipment. Due to the severe conditions, schools from Class 1 to 12 in Dehradun have been ordered closed temporarily.

Earlier in August, a similar cloudburst in Chamoli district’s Mopata village led to two people going missing and significant damage to property and livestock.

On September 11, Prime Minister Modi had personally visited Dehradun to review the flood situation and chaired a high-level meeting to discuss disaster management measures.

This recent cloudburst underscores the recurring and severe challenges posed by extreme weather events in Uttarakhand, prompting swift coordination between state and central governments to support affected communities and expedite relief operations.