Heavy rains triggered by a cloudburst near Dehradun’s Sahastradhara late Monday night caused flash floods in parts of Uttarakhand. The sudden downpour led to the Tamsa River overflowing, submerging the famous Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Priests confirmed that the Shivling inside the sanctum sanctorum remained safe despite rising waters. Roads, bridges, and several hotels suffered damage. Rescue teams, including SDRF and NDRF, were immediately deployed to move people to safer locations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red and yellow alerts for Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, and other districts. Some people were reported missing, though officials stated that details were still awaited. Authorities also warned residents to avoid riverbanks as panic spread across affected areas.
In Rishikesh, the Chandrabhaga River overflowed onto the highway, disrupting traffic. SDRF teams rescued three people trapped in the river, while several vehicles were stranded in floodwaters. Officials admitted that strong currents were hampering rescue operations.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reacted through a post on X. He confirmed damage to shops in Sahastradhara and assured citizens that district officials, SDRF, and police were carrying out relief operations. The CM added that he was personally monitoring the situation with local administration.
