The night of September 15, 2025 Dehradun witnessed a typical monsoon rain turn into a disaster when the weather patterns shifted abruptly causing a continuous downpour since the evening of 15th September. During the nighttime, a catastrophic cloudburst occurred which destroyed the city all across. The roads were broken, debris was brought by the floodwater in residential areas, and connecting pulls of several regions were broken. More than 15 people have been reported dead due to the floods and 16 missing. Almost the entire city was affected by the flood but the severely affected regions were namely, Sahastradhara, Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple, Premnagar, Suddhowala, Dalanwala, Haridwar-Dehradun highway and Maldevta.
The destruction
The sacred Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple was seen submerged under the flood and now under several feet of debris. The courtyard had disappeared, the sacred ‘Shivling’ was submerged and the Hanuman idol was almost under the water. The Sahastradhara springs and landscape was also destroyed within seconds. The local shopkeepers and families were unable to save anything. The water came with such power that the entire place was under water.
The Fun valley highway of Dehradun-Haridwar was broken causing the traffic to be diverted to Rishikesh highway. The Dalanwala Bridge collapsed; the water entered the residential areas as well. Maldevta, a popular tourist spot also succumbed to the flood, the bridge collapsed and the entire Maldevta region got blocked due to the water and debris. The Uttaranchal University Bridge near Premnagar collapsed, water entered the university and also the Devbhoomi Institute causing students to run out of their hostels and college campus. The Rispana River also witnessed the flash flood with water level rising above the bridge.
Dehradun had never witnessed such a disaster in decades; the Dehradun-Musoorie road was also destroyed due to constant rainfall and landslides. The Kimadi road also broke down. The debris kept coming down the hills onto the roads and residential areas as well.
Rescue and Relief
In response to the disaster, NDRF and SDRF reached the affected areas to evacuate the stranded people and provide the relief kit. A man was seen hanging on an electric pole near the tons river in Suddhowala, he was later rescued by the rescue teams. District Magistrate Savin Bansal visited the affected areas to take an on ground report of the region. Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami also visited the affected areas to take an on-site inspection. CM Dhami took it to his instagram and shared,
“Visited the families of the victims after site inspection of disaster affected areas in Kesarwala, Maldevata area of Dehradun. In this difficult time, they are assured of every possible help.
During this time, authorities were directed to transport affected families to safer places and prevent tourists from going on routes that are suspected of landslides. Relief and rescue operations are being operated at war level in this critical situation of disaster. We are committed to the safety of every victim family.”
Visiting the other damaged area of the city with cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi, CM Dhami further shared on Instagram,
“Site inspection of Mussoorie Road and Kimadi area affected by heavy rains in Dehradun. During this time authorities were instructed to open damaged and closed routes with priority and ensure alternative systems for public transportation with immediate effect.
Officers instructed to work at war level by coordinating between all departments to normalize public lives in affected areas. Provide immediate financial assistance and basic services to all affected families according to disaster standards.
Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Mr. @ganeshjoshibjp was also present on this occasion.
As per rescue teams, a lot of damage has been done to the roads, bridges and residential areas of the city. The state government has prioritized working on the blocked roads and restoring the emergency supplies such as water and electricity.
The devastation extended beyond Dehradun to neighboring regions including Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. In Mandi district, three family members died when their home collapsed under a landslide. Official reports indicate more than 40 cloudbursts, 80 flash floods, and 130 major landslides recorded across the region since June.
The Climatic catastrophe
The climate scientists and the meteorological department of India had issued a red alert in the region for many days. They point to the connections between warming patterns and extreme weather conditions. As per research, unsustainable development of the regions is also being stated as the reason for creating perfect scenarios for disaster in Dehradun. Citizens spoke up about this disaster as not a natural but a man-made one. As the citizens claim, constant construction and deforestation in the city is leading to degradation of the weather conditions.
Conclusion
The economic impact will likely affect the region for years as several tourist spots and local shops were destroyed thereby, affecting the backbone of Uttarakhand’s economy. Amid the destruction and chaos, signs of resilience emerge as communities and higher authorities come together, sharing resources and supporting rescue efforts. Recovery operations continue while officials emphasize the need for sustained support. The mountains remain beautiful but increasingly unpredictable, serving as powerful reminders of nature’s formidable power.
