It was a normal day in Dehradun. People were going to work. Some were enjoying tea. Some children were playing. But suddenly, the weather changed. Clouds became dark. The wind started blowing hard. Then the rain came. Not light rain. Heavy rain.
In just a few hours, water was everywhere. Streets became rivers. Cars could not move. Shops closed. People ran to safe places. The worst hit place was Sahastradhara. It is a very famous place. But now, it is in the news for sad reasons.
What Happened in Sahastradhara?
Sahastradhara is a beautiful spot in Dehradun. Tourists love it. Locals go there on weekends. It has hills, caves, and waterfalls. But this time, it turned dangerous.
The rain did not stop. It kept falling for many hours. The river near Sahastradhara became very fast. It started rising. The water came onto the roads. It entered shops and homes.
People living nearby said they had never seen so much water before. Some houses were filled up to the knees. Some roads broke. Some small bridges also got damaged.
Two People Missing
In this flood, two people went missing. This is the saddest part.
The police and rescue team are looking for them. Till now, they are not found.
Locals said the people were last seen near the stream. The current was very strong. It is possible they were washed away.
Their families are waiting. They are crying and praying. Everyone hopes they are found safe.
How Did the Flood Happen?
Heavy rain is the main reason. But there are other problems too.
Dehradun is growing fast. New buildings, roads, and homes are being made. Many trees are being cut. Water does not have space to go inside the ground. So, it flows over roads.
Also, drains are not clean. Garbage blocks water. When it rains too much, water has no way to go.
That is why even a few hours of rain causes big floods.
What the Government Is Doing
After the flood, the government sent rescue teams. The NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) came to help.
They brought boats. They helped people leave flooded houses. They are also looking for the two missing people.
Doctors were sent to check if anyone is sick. Some people are in relief camps. They are being given food and water.
The government said they will clean the roads and drains soon. They are also checking all bridges and damaged areas.
What People Are Saying
Many people are angry. They say the government should have warned earlier. They also say nothing is being done to stop floods in the future.
Some say this is because of bad planning. New houses are made on river paths. Old drains are never cleaned.
Some people are sad. They say Dehradun was a peaceful place once. Now, every year there is flood and damage.
Tourists also said they got scared. Many of them left Dehradun early.
What You Can Do in Such a Situation
If you live in a flood-prone area, here are some simple things you can do:
Stay updated with weather news.
If rain is heavy, don’t go near rivers or waterfalls.
Keep a small bag ready with important things — torch, medicines, phone, charger.
Have dry food and drinking water at home.
If the water level rises, move to higher ground.
Call 112 (emergency number in India) if help is needed.
Don’t panic. Stay calm. Help others too.
Life After the Flood
After the rain stopped, people started cleaning. Mud and garbage were on the roads. Shops were wet. Clothes were ruined. Furniture was damaged.
It will take many days to go back to normal.
Some people lost everything. Their homes were filled with water. Their TVs, beds, clothes — all gone. The government may give them help, but it takes time.
People are strong. They are helping each other. Neighbours are giving food. Volunteers are cleaning the streets.
Slowly, life will come back to normal. But the fear will stay. What if it rains again?
What Experts Say
Weather experts say such floods will become more common.
Climate is changing. Rainfall is now more sudden and strong. Cities are not ready for this. Drains are too small. Rivers are blocked.
Experts say we must plant more trees. We must stop building on riversides. We must clean drains before the rainy season.
Also, people must be taught what to do in floods. Schools should have flood safety lessons.
Tourists Be Careful
Sahastradhara is a top tourist place. But after this flood, tourists are warned to stay away for now.
Water levels are still high. Roads are damaged. Police say not to go near waterfalls or rivers.
If you want to travel to Dehradun, wait for some time. Let the area get safe again.
Hotels are also checking rooms. Some of them had water damage. Tourist safety is important.
Final Words
Dehradun is a lovely city. Sahastradhara is its heart. But nature can turn wild sometimes.
Heavy rains caused big floods. Two people are still missing. People are scared. Many homes are damaged. Life is not normal now.
But people are strong. Rescue teams are working hard. Slowly, the city will heal.
Let’s hope the missing people are found.
Let’s hope no more floods happen.
Let’s learn from this.
Let’s care for nature. Because if we don’t, this will happen again and again.
