Dehradun Cloudburst: Schools Closed, Rivers Overflow as Heavy Rain Triggers Flooding

Dehradun district administration ordered the closure of all schools from Class 1 to 12 and Anganwadi centres on Tuesday, September 16, following intense overnight rainfall and multiple cloudbursts in the region. Authorities cited safety concerns as the Meteorological Department warned of further heavy showers in the coming days.

Cloudbursts Hit Sahastradhara Region

Several parts of Sahastradhara witnessed sudden cloudbursts, leading to rivers and streams overflowing their banks. The flash floods damaged roadside shops, small businesses, and eateries while waterlogging large portions of the tourist area. Residents reported unprecedented surges in water levels, forcing many to evacuate homes.

Government Issues Urgent Safety Advisory

The Uttarakhand government issued advisories urging people to avoid flood-prone areas and remain indoors unless necessary. Officials emphasized that venturing near rivers, drains, or low-lying areas could be risky as water levels remained dangerously high.

Chief Minister Reviews Relief Operations

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police were deployed immediately after reports of flooding. “Our priority is to ensure the safety of people and provide immediate help in the affected areas,” he said while reviewing the situation.

Chandrabhaga River Overflows in Rishikesh

In Rishikesh, the Chandrabhaga river spilled over onto the highway, stranding several vehicles. SDRF teams rushed to the spot and rescued three people who were trapped in rising waters. Traffic movement on the highway was severely disrupted until water levels receded.

SDRF Carries Out Multiple Rescues

According to SDRF Uttarakhand Police, rescue personnel safely evacuated people stranded in waterlogged areas. Teams were also stationed in vulnerable villages to respond to emergencies. Boats and rescue equipment were readied as a precautionary measure.

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple Flooded

The Tamsa river overflowed into the premises of the Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple in Dehradun. The courtyard was submerged, and even the statue of Lord Hanuman was partially underwater. However, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple remained safe, officials confirmed. Devotees were advised not to visit the shrine until conditions improved.

Traffic Disruptions Across the City

Heavy waterlogging in areas such as ISBT, Sahastradhara Road, and Raipur caused long traffic snarls. Several vehicles broke down in knee-deep water, compounding the morning rush-hour chaos. Authorities closed off routes leading to severely flooded areas and diverted traffic to alternate roads.

Rainfall Data Highlights Severity

Between 8:30 AM Sunday and 5:30 AM Monday, Colaba recorded 88.2 mm of rainfall, Bandra 82 mm, and Byculla 73 mm. Other areas like Mahul Tata Power Station logged 70.5 mm, Juhu 45 mm, Santacruz 36.6 mm, and Mahalaxmi 36.5 mm. Meteorological experts noted that the intensity of rain in pockets was comparable to previous cloudburst incidents in the state.

Forecast Predicts More Showers

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to intense rainfall in Dehradun, Thane, Raigad, Beed, and Latur, accompanied by gusty winds. Orange alerts were issued for several districts, while yellow alerts were in place for Nagpur, Jalana, Nashik, and Palghar. Residents were urged to stay alert, with rescue teams kept on standby.