Dehradun and surrounding areas in Uttarakhand are grappling with the aftermath of a cloudburst and intense rainfall that triggered severe flooding and landslides on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. A shocking video has emerged showing a marooned tractor being overturned by a raging river, with reports indicating that approximately 10 people were swept away.

The heavy overnight rains caused significant damage across the region. A bridge near Fun Valley and the Uttarakhand Dental College on the Dehradun–Haridwar National Highway was damaged, disrupting traffic and stranding commuters. Authorities have issued high alerts, and rescue operations are underway.

The Sahastradhara area has been particularly hard hit, with the Sahastradhara river overflowing and causing extensive damage to shops and hotels. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed concern about the situation in Sahastradhara and stated that the district administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and police are engaged in relief and rescue operations. He is personally monitoring the situation and praying for everyone's safety. Initial reports from India TV indicate that five people who were traveling in a tractor trolley to dig sand were swept away in the Sahastradhara area due to a sudden surge in the river.

In another part of the city, the Tamsa River rose sharply, flooding the Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple premises. Water entered the courtyard, reaching the statue of Hanuman, although the sanctum sanctorum remained safe. Temple priest Acharya Bipin Joshi noted that the flooding began early in the morning, submerging the entire temple premises, a situation not seen in a long time. He advised people to avoid going near rivers.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Dehradun district, forecasting heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms with lightning, and spells of intense to extremely intense rain. District Magistrate Savin Bansal issued a circular, citing an increased likelihood of landslides and flash floods in sensitive areas.

Several routes have been affected by landslides and debris, including the Mussoorie–Dehradun Road. A bridge at Maldevta was washed away, further disrupting traffic. Tourists traveling to Mussoorie have been advised to avoid the road until it reopens.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have spoken with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, assuring Uttarakhand of all possible assistance from the central government.

Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and SDRF have been deployed to the affected areas. The SDRF has already rescued over 100 people, including students from the Devbhoomi Institute. Efforts are ongoing to rescue 26 people reportedly stranded in the Karligad area due to the cloudburst.

Heavy rainfall has also caused the Song River to swell, flooding nearby areas. Waterlogging has been reported in Dehradun's IT Park area, with water entering offices and leaving people stranded.

The disaster has prompted widespread concern and a focus on relief and rescue efforts, with authorities working to restore road connectivity, evacuate stranded residents, and provide assistance to affected families.