Uttarakhand's Fury: Cloudburst Unleashes Deadly Havoc, Dehradun Devastated by Relentless Rains

A catastrophic cloudburst, accompanied by incessant heavy rainfall, has plunged parts of Uttarakhand into a state of acute crisis, with the capital Dehradun bearing the brunt of nature's unyielding fury. The devastating event has claimed at least 15 lives across the state, leaving hundreds stranded and causing widespread destruction to infrastructure and homes.

The situation remains dire, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.

The calamity unfolded in the early hours, with the Raipur block of Dehradun, particularly the areas of Maldevta and Sarkhet village, experiencing the most severe impact. Eyewitnesses reported flash floods of unprecedented intensity, which swept away homes, engulfed agricultural land, and destroyed vital bridges and roads, severing connectivity to several remote villages.

The sheer volume of water and debris transformed peaceful rivers into raging torrents, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

Among the most tragic incidents, a family was reportedly trapped under the debris of their collapsed house in the Tamasa river area near Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple.

While some managed to escape, reports indicate fatalities in such devastating collapses. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was swift to respond, carrying out daring rescue missions in areas like Maldevta, which witnessed homes being washed away by the ferocious current.

Beyond Dehradun, the effects of the cloudburst were felt profoundly in districts like Pauri, where approximately 900 people were reported stranded near the Yamkeshwar Mahadev Temple.

Landslides and overflowing rivers like the Song and Tons have blocked numerous national and state highways, isolating communities and impeding rescue efforts. The Mandakini River in Rudraprayag also swelled significantly, reaching alarming levels and triggering fears of further devastation.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been actively monitoring the situation, conducting aerial surveys of the affected areas and issuing directives for accelerated rescue and relief operations.

The Indian Air Force has deployed helicopters for aerial relief and evacuation, with SDRF, local police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) working tirelessly on the ground to evacuate residents, clear debris, and restore essential services. The priority remains the safe evacuation of those stranded and providing immediate aid to the affected populations, even as the meteorological department warns of continued heavy rainfall in isolated parts of the state.