Dehradun: Fresh bouts of torrential rainfall have unleashed widespread destruction across Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, leaving at least 18 people dead and many others missing.

In Dehradun, heavy downpours triggered flash floods and landslides that swept through several areas, particularly Sahastradhara and Maldevta on the city’s outskirts. Authorities reported that between 13 and 17 people have died in Uttarakhand alone, while at least 13 to 16 others remain missing. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing and evacuate stranded families.

The disaster has cut off access to Mussoorie, with bridges, culverts, and key roads severely damaged. Officials estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 tourists remain stranded in the popular hill station and surrounding areas.

Sahastradhara recorded a staggering 264 millimeters of rainfall within 24 hours, underscoring the intensity of the weather event.

The Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dehradun was also flooded after a sudden surge of the Tamsa River, with its premises completely inundated.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Public Works Department are carrying out large-scale rescue and relief missions in affected localities.

In Himachal Pradesh, Mandi district witnessed a house collapse due to a landslide, killing three people, including an infant. Several other regions remain vulnerable as continuous rainfall increases the risk of further landslides.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for parts of Uttarakhand, warning of more heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days.

With saturated soil and swollen rivers, authorities fear that additional cloudbursts or landslides could worsen the situation.

State governments have assured compensation for affected families, while relief camps have been set up for displaced residents. Restoration of connectivity to remote areas and evacuation of stranded tourists remain top priorities as emergency efforts continue.