Image: AI-Skymet
A sudden cloudburst in Dehradun’s popular tourist spot Sahastradhara late Monday night created panic in the area. Around 11:30 pm, intense rainfall began abruptly, and within minutes the main market was buried under debris. Several hotels and shops collapsed, while more than 100 people were trapped. Local residents and the administration worked together to rescue everyone safely.
This disaster coincided with heavy rainfall in Mussoorie, Nainital, and adjoining regions, where normal life was severely disrupted.
Why Did the Cloudburst Occur?
According to Skymet Weather, multiple weather systems are currently active over Uttarakhand. A cyclonic circulation over East Vidarbha and Bihar has been channeling large amounts of moisture toward northern India. At the same time, persistent inflow from the Bay of Bengal is reaching the Himalayan slopes. When these moisture-laden clouds strike the mountains, they release sudden and intense rainfall — a process known as the orographic effect.
This was the key reason behind the extreme downpour in Sahastradhara, which resulted in a cloudburst-like situation. Experts highlight that September marks the transition toward the withdrawal phase of the monsoon. During this period, localized storm clouds often develop rapidly, sometimes triggering very intense and dangerous rainfall. The Sahastradhara incident is a clear example of this phenomenon.
Scenes of Destruction at Sahastradhara
Around 11:30 pm, torrential rain and a flow of debris swept into Sahastradhara’s main market. Within minutes, two to three large hotels and seven to eight shops collapsed. Nearly 100 people present in the area ran for safety, but villagers and locals displayed courage and managed to rescue everyone. Eyewitnesses reported loud thunderclaps followed by sudden heavy rainfall that turned the market into a mass of rubble. Several vehicles were also washed away.
Meanwhile, water levels in the Rispana and Chandrabhaga rivers rose sharply, adding to the danger.
Delayed but Successful Rescue
According to the disaster control room, SDRF and Fire Brigade teams were dispatched around 2 am. However, heavy debris on the way prevented them from reaching immediately. PWD’s JCB machines worked for hours to clear the roads before rescue operations could proceed. Authorities believe one or two people may still be missing, and search efforts continue.
In Mussoorie’s Jhadi Pani area, heavy rainfall caused debris to fall onto workers’ makeshift houses. One worker died on the spot, and another was critically injured.
Tapkeshwar Temple and IT Park Impacted
The iconic Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple in Dehradun was inundated after the Tamsa river overflowed. The temple premises were submerged, and the Shivling was covered by floodwaters. Devotees were evacuated immediately, and the area was cleared.
At the IT Park area, heavy debris flow raised the Song river’s water level to dangerous heights. Police urged residents in the vicinity to move to safer locations.
In Paudha, nearly 200 students of the Devbhoomi Institute of Technology were stranded due to flooding. SDRF teams reached the site and evacuated all students safely.
Roads Blocked, Schools Shut in Nainital
The Rispana river in Dehradun also overflowed due to the heavy rains. The Mussoorie–Dehradun road was severely damaged, with a large section of the road collapsing in Kolu Khet. Many hotels, shops, and homes were damaged, while broken bridges and roads cut off access to several localities. Movement came to a standstill, and residents were forced indoors.
In Nainital, the district administration announced the closure of all schools on Tuesday due to ongoing heavy rain. District Magistrate Vandana Singh stated that children’s safety was the top priority during adverse weather.
Next 24 Hours Critical for Hills
The coming 24 hours will remain challenging for Uttarakhand. Heavy rain and landslides are likely in hilly districts, and river levels may rise further. Authorities have advised against travel to Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainital, and surrounding regions.
This phase of the monsoon, close to its withdrawal, often sees increased instances of cloudbursts and landslides due to sustained moisture supply and cloud collisions along mountain slopes. Such disasters have become a recurring feature of Uttarakhand’s monsoon season. The devastation in Sahastradhara and Mussoorie underscores the urgent need for stronger disaster management systems in hill states.
Administration’s Appeal
Dehradun Police have urged residents to stay alert and avoid riverbanks. Relief camps have been set up to provide shelter and food for those displaced. Rescue and relief efforts continue in the affected areas.
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