By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 21 Jul: Dehradun and parts of Uttarakhand faced nonstop rain overnight. Swollen rivers and seasonal streams were reported to be overflowing and many roads within the city and outside were flooded for several hours. It may be recalled that the Dehradun Administration had declared a holiday for all the government and private schools today in view of red and orange alert for the district.
In areas like Krishna Enclave, Kailashpur, and Pittuwala Road, rainwater rushed through streets like streams, forcing residents to stay indoors. The currents were particularly dangerous for pedestrians, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
In various localities of Dehradun, the water flow was reported to be so strong that residents were forced to stay indoors. The Police and SDRF teams were dispatched to these affected areas, successfully rescuing stranded individuals and moving them to safer locations. Residents of Krishna Enclave and surrounding areas claim that this situation arises every monsoon, yet the administration has failed to provide any permanent solution to the issue.
Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh stated that Doon Police has been put on high alert due to the continuous rainfall. He claimed that the police personnel are regularly patrolling settlements and residential areas along riverbanks and streams, using loudspeakers to caution residents about staying alert and avoiding these areas during the rains. Furthermore, people from vulnerable locations are being evacuated to safer places.
Police also reported that due to continuous heavy rainfall in Dehradun, the water level of the Asan River has risen, causing waterlogging in a residential colony in the Bhudpur area, trapping several residents in their homes. Upon receiving information from locals, Nayagaon outpost in-charge and their team immediately rushed to the spot and rescued the stranded individuals.
The officials claimed that the police and SDRF acted quickly to rescue many people stranded by the flooding. They transported those in danger to safety. Patrols with loudspeakers were seen urging residents to avoid riverbanks and streams while evacuations continue in flood-prone areas.
The Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning valid from 21 to 26 July for Uttarakhand. This warning predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusts reaching 30-40 km/h in Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, and Rudraprayag. Isolated intense rainfall is expected elsewhere in the state.
The Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, has issued a rain alert for the next few days across Uttarakhand. According to Dehradun Met Director, Bikram Singh, Garhwal is expected to experience above-average rainfall over the next five to six days, while the Kumaon region is predicted to receive normal rainfall.
The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority has appealed to Char Dham pilgrims, tourists, and the citizens of the state to exercise caution during the monsoon period, taking seriously the alerts being issued by various agencies. The Met Department has urged everyone to remain both aware and vigilant.
