Areas Worst Hit
The regions of Sahasradhara, Maldevta, and Karligaad bore the brunt of destruction. Rivers like Rispana and Bindal breached danger levels, flooding colonies and submerging houses. In Karligaad, eight shops and hotels were washed away. A student died near DIT College when a boundary wall collapsed, while five bodies were recovered from the Asan River after a tractor-trolley was swept away.
In Mussoorie, a landslide at Jharipani toll plaza killed one labourer and injured another. On the Kalsi-Chakrata road, falling rocks claimed the life of a scooter rider.
Infrastructure Damage
The downpour severely disrupted connectivity. A key bridge on the Dehradun-Paonta National Highway near “Nanda ki Chowki” was washed away, cutting off traffic. The Mussoorie-Dehradun road remains blocked due to landslides. Official data shows 13 bridges, 21 roads, 10 culverts, and multiple water supply schemes have been damaged.
Rescue Operations
SDRF and NDRF teams have been deployed to affected zones. More than 200 students trapped at the Devbhoomi Institute in Paundha were rescued after waterlogging cut off access. Heavy machinery, including JCBs, is being used to clear debris and aid in search operations.
“Our teams reached the spots overnight and shifted residents to safer locations. The search for missing persons continues with full force,” SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi said.
Government Response
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Maldevta and Kesarwala, assuring affected families of full government support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Dhami, seeking updates on the situation and directing central agencies to extend help.
Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal declared a holiday for all schools up to Class 12 and Anganwadi centres to ensure safety. Relief camps have been set up for displaced families.
Locals Share Their Ordeal
In Dehradun’s IT Park area, water flooded offices and basements. “I have been stranded here since 5:30 am. Cars are submerged, and water has entered offices. The situation is very tough,” said Hrithik Sharma, a local resident.
Monsoon Toll
The retreating monsoon has left Uttarakhand battered this year. Since April, natural disasters in the state have claimed 87 lives, injured 131, and left 98 missing. The latest spell has further highlighted the state’s vulnerability to climate-linked extreme weather events.
