Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple flooded after cloudburst in Dehradun

Heavy rains lashed Dehradun on Monday night, causing the Tamsa river to overflow and flood the premises of Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple, one of the city’s most renowned shrines. Water entered the courtyard and reached the statue of Hanuman, though the inner sanctum remained unharmed.

Temple priest Acharya Bipin Joshi told ANI that the river’s flow intensified early in the morning, completely submerging the temple area. “The river started flowing heavily since 5 AM, and the entire temple premises were submerged. This situation has not been seen in a long time. Losses have been incurred at various places. The sanctum sanctorum is safe, and thankfully, no human casualties have been reported,” he said.

Local residents recounted their experiences of the rising waters.


One witness described how the water reached 10–12 feet inside the cave temple and how they managed to escape using ropes. Another resident highlighted the damage caused by floating logs carried by the strong currents, urging everyone to stay away from riverbanks.

Floods impact & govt response

The heavy rainfall has also affected Rishikesh, where the Chandrabhaga river swelled above its normal levels and overflowed onto the highway, leaving several vehicles stranded. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescued three people trapped in the river and continues to monitor the situation. Officials have cautioned residents to avoid venturing near rivers and streams while water levels remain high.

In light of the severe weather, all schools from Class 1 to 12, along with Anganwadi centres in Dehradun district, will remain closed on Tuesday, September 16. Authorities cited safety concerns and issued the order after the Meteorological Center warned of further heavy rainfall in the region.

Several areas in Sahastradhara experienced sudden cloudbursts overnight, causing rivers and streams to surge beyond their banks. Flash floods damaged roadside shops and eateries, while large portions of the locality were waterlogged, disrupting daily life.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that police and SDRF teams have been deployed to assist with evacuation, relief, and safety operations. “Our priority is the safety of residents and providing immediate assistance in the affected areas,” he said.

In addition to Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple, the Chandrabhaga river in Rishikesh has caused disruptions along the highway. SDRF teams remain on high alert, ready to conduct further rescues if required, as officials warn that rainfall is expected to continue. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and avoid risky areas near swollen rivers and streams.