Dehradun Cloudburst Live: Rishikesh Chandrabhaga River in Spate, Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple Submerged
On the night of September 15, 2025, a devastating cloudburst struck Dehradun, Uttarakhand, triggering widespread flooding, landslides, and chaos across the region. The torrential rains caused rivers like the Chandrabhaga, Tamsa, and Sahastradhara to overflow, submerging homes, roads, and even the revered Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple. The disaster has left at least 13 dead, 16 missing, and countless stranded, with Rishikesh’s Chandrabhaga River flooding highways and disrupting daily life. This blog provides a detailed overview of the crisis, its impact, and the ongoing response efforts, drawing from live updates and firsthand accounts.
The Cloudburst: A Night of Destruction
The cloudburst hit Dehradun’s Karligaad area in Sahastradhara late on Monday night, unleashing heavy rainfall that continued into Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The deluge caused rivers to swell, with the Tamsa River inundating the historic Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site. Videos circulating on X showed 1–2 feet of debris accumulating in the temple’s Shivalinga complex, with water reaching the Hanuman statue, though the sanctum sanctorum remained safe. Temple priest Acharya Bipin Joshi told ANI, “The river started flowing heavily since 5 AM, submerging the entire temple premises. Such a situation has not occurred in a very long time.”
In Rishikesh, the Chandrabhaga River surged onto highways, stranding vehicles and necessitating daring rescues by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). A viral video on X captured SDRF teams saving three people trapped in the river’s currents, highlighting the severity of the flooding. The Sahastradhara River, a popular tourist spot, overflowed, carrying debris into Dehradun’s main market, devastating shops, hotels, and commercial establishments.
Widespread Impact Across Uttarakhand
The cloudburst’s effects extended beyond Dehradun, wreaking havoc across Uttarakhand:
- Casualties and Missing Persons: At least 13 people have been reported dead, with 16 others missing, including two in Sahastradhara. Five laborers were swept away by the raging Tons River, with a shocking video showing a tractor stranded mid-river as locals attempted a rescue.
- Infrastructure Damage: A bridge near Fun Valley and Uttarakhand Dental College on the Dehradun–Haridwar National Highway was washed away, disrupting traffic. The Maldevta approach bridge collapsed, cutting off access to the area. Roads in Maldevta, Raipur, and Mussoorie were severely damaged, with landslides reported in Nainital and Tehri.
- Flooded Areas: Sahastradhara’s main market was inundated with debris, destroying businesses. The Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple saw unprecedented flooding, with locals describing water surging into the cave temple. Rishikesh’s rural areas were cut off, and the Ganga River’s rising water levels prompted strict alerts in Haridwar.
- Rescue Operations: Over 300 people, including 200 students from the waterlogged Dev Bhoomi Institute in Premnagar, were rescued by SDRF, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local teams. In Sahastradhara, three people trapped under debris were reported, with rescue efforts hampered by flowing debris and blocked roads.
Official Response and Relief Efforts
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been actively monitoring the crisis, inspecting affected areas like Maldevta and Kesarwala and addressing relief efforts. He briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured full central support. Dhami stated, “All departments are working in close coordination to carry out relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts.”
The state administration has mobilized SDRF, NDRF, police, and Public Works Department teams, deploying JCB machines to clear debris. Schools across Dehradun were closed, and a red alert was issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) until 9 AM on September 16, warning of heavy to extremely intense rain. Authorities urged residents near riverbanks to stay vigilant, with police using loudspeakers to broadcast warnings in Haridwar.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of UP residents killed in the Tons River incident, ensuring respectful transportation of their remains.
Community and Economic Toll
The cloudburst has left a profound impact on local communities and businesses. Sahastradhara’s shop owners reported heavy losses as floodwaters swept away inventory, leaving behind mud and silt. A local resident shared on X, “I was on duty last night when this happened… The roads have been totally damaged.” The tourism-heavy regions of Rishikesh and Mussoorie face disruptions, with flooded highways and landslides isolating rural areas.
The economic toll is significant, with Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district reporting over ₹603 crore in losses due to similar rains, suggesting a broader regional impact. The destruction of infrastructure, including bridges and roads, will require substantial rebuilding efforts, further straining resources.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Preparedness
This disaster underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Uttarakhand, a region prone to cloudbursts and flash floods. Experts warn that climate change and unchecked development in ecologically sensitive areas exacerbate such crises. The IMD’s red alert and forecasts of continued heavy rain highlight the need for robust disaster management systems.
For residents and travelers, the following steps are crucial:
- Stay Updated: Monitor weather alerts and avoid areas near swollen rivers or landslide-prone zones.
- Support Relief Efforts: Contribute to or volunteer with local relief organizations assisting affected communities.
- Advocate for Resilience: Push for sustainable development and stronger infrastructure to mitigate future disasters.
Conclusion
The Dehradun cloudburst of September 15–16, 2025, has left a trail of destruction, submerging the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, flooding Rishikesh’s Chandrabhaga River, and devastating lives and livelihoods across Uttarakhand. As rescue operations continue and communities grapple with loss, the response from authorities and citizens alike reflects resilience in the face of adversity. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the urgent need for proactive measures to protect lives and infrastructure. As Uttarakhand rebuilds, the focus must remain on ensuring safety, supporting victims, and preparing for an uncertain climate future.
Sources: YouTube (ET Digital), Times of India, Hindustan Times, Financial Express, Zee News, Indian Express, MSN, DNA India, LiveMint, News24
