Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is facing severe flooding and landslides following a massive cloudburst on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the region, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning, which have led to widespread devastation.
In Sahastradhara, the Karligad rivulet and Tamsa River overflowed, inundating homes, shops, and roads. At least two individuals are missing, and several others have been rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). In Tapkeshwar, the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple was submerged as the river swelled. One person was swept away, while others were rescued by SDRF teams. The DIT College area near Mussoorie Diversion also faced flash floods, trapping people after vehicles were swept away. Two people are missing in this area, while rescue operations are ongoing. In Bhagat Singh Colony, one person was swept away, and the search is continuing. More than 100 people were rescued from various affected areas, with 30 people stranded in Raipur’s Panchkuli and 500 evacuated to safe shelters at the Shri Dev Bhoomi Institute in Premnagar.
A bridge at Maldevta was washed away, disrupting traffic, while debris blocked sections of the Mussoorie–Dehradun Road. A portion of the bridge in Premnagar on the Dehradun–Paonta National Highway collapsed, cutting off traffic entirely. District Magistrate Savin Bansal issued a warning citing an increased likelihood of landslides and flash floods in sensitive areas. The Disaster Alert Portal of the National Disaster Management Authority has been regularly updated with warnings. Schools and Anganwadi centers have been closed for precautionary reasons, and authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
Rescue Efforts and Government Response
The SDRF, NDRF, and local police have been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations, though continuous rainfall and unstable terrain have complicated their work. Teams are clearing debris and restoring access to affected areas. On Tuesday morning, SDRF rescued people trapped in the swollen Chandrabhaga River after vehicles got stuck in floodwaters, and similar rescues were carried out in Sahaspur and Thakurpur.
The Prime Minister and Union Home Minister have assured all possible assistance to the state government, while the district administration continues to monitor the situation. The IMD has now issued an orange alert for further heavy rainfall. Rescue operations remain ongoing as teams work tirelessly to locate missing individuals and provide aid. Authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of residents while urging vigilance as the region faces further threats of landslides and flash floods.
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