Tragedy in Dehradun: Cloudburst Sweeps Away Tractor, 8 Dead, 4 Missing

Dehradun(The Uttam Hindu): A sudden cloudburst in the Sahastradhara area of Dehradun on Monday night triggered severe flooding in the Karligarh River, causing extensive damage across surrounding regions, including Tapovan, IT Park, Ghangora, and Ghadi Cantt. Several roads were washed away, and the Tons River in Vikas Nagar experienced a rapid surge.

Tragically, a tractor-trolley carrying laborers was swept away, resulting in 8 deaths and 4 missing. The rising river levels also caused the collapse of a key bridge, destruction of riverside properties, dozens of shops, and two hotels.

Traffic on the Mussoorie-Dehradun road has been blocked at multiple points, and police have urged commuters not to use this route. Additionally, Badrinath Highway in Karnaprayag and Gaurchur is closed due to boulder falls, and water levels of the Alaknanda River in Srinagar have risen dangerously.

District authorities, led by District Magistrate Savin Bansal, have launched immediate rescue and relief operations, coordinating SDRF, NDRF, PWD, and other emergency teams with JCBs and essential equipment. Residents near rivers are being evacuated to safer locations as the administration continues to monitor the situation closely.