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Dehradun, Sept 16: A sudden spell of heavy rain triggered flash floods in the popular tourist spot of Sahastradhara in Dehradun, leaving two people missing and sparking a large-scale rescue operation on Tuesday.
According to officials, the downpour intensified in the afternoon, swelling the rivulets and seasonal streams that cut across the region. The surging waters inundated parts of the valley, catching visitors and locals by surprise. Eyewitnesses described the floodwaters as “furious and fast-moving,” sweeping away vehicles and damaging small shops near the entry points.
Two Missing, Search Underway
District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) confirmed that at least two individuals have gone missing. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with police and fire services, have been deployed to trace the missing. Sniffer dogs and drone surveillance are being considered to speed up the search, given the rocky terrain and strong water currents.
Tourists Stranded, Authorities on Alert
Several tourists who were stranded on higher ground were safely evacuated by late evening. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid venturing near the waterfalls and riverbeds until the water level recedes. “The situation remains sensitive, and more rain is predicted in the coming hours,” said an SDRF spokesperson.
Heavy Rain Warnings in Uttarakhand
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Dehradun and surrounding districts, warning of moderate to heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Officials have also kept nearby hill routes under surveillance, as flash floods and landslides remain a recurring risk during monsoon spells in Uttarakhand.
A Reminder of Uttarakhand’s Fragile Terrain
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Uttarakhand’s ecologically fragile landscape to intense rainfall and sudden cloudbursts. Experts warn that unplanned construction and tourist influx near sensitive areas like Sahastradhara amplify the risks.
As rescue operations continue, families of the missing wait anxiously for updates, while authorities remain on high alert to prevent further casualties.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like, NDTV, The Times of India, Hindustan Times etc.) transparently.]
