Overnight torrential rains that unleashed widespread destruction across Uttarakhand, damaging roads, houses, and shops and washing away a bridge, also triggered landslides that left several people missing. The calamity struck various parts of Dehradun district, including Sahastradhara and Mal Devta, as well as the hill station of Mussoorie, forcing authorities into frantic rescue operations.

Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman reported two to three individuals missing in Dehradun, with a potential death in Mussoorie under verification. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and local teams have evacuated 300 to 400 residents to safety amid rising fears of further casualties as searches continue.

The deluge caused the Song River to swell dramatically, flooding low-lying areas and exacerbating the chaos. In Tehri, severe waterlogging stranded people at Geeta Bhawan, who were promptly rescued by officials. A landslide in Nainital blocked a key road with debris, while in Majhara village, residents fled their homes after a mudslide buried dwellings, claiming additional missing persons.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Sadar Hari Giri, speaking to PTI Videos, noted the rapidly rising water levels and strong currents, assuring no confirmed deaths yet but highlighting the plight of stranded tourists in local hotels. Waterlogging in Dehradun's IT Park inundated offices and basements, trapping employees like Hrithik Sharma, who described being stuck since 5:30 AM with submerged vehicles and rising floodwaters.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, actively overseeing the response, posted on X about the damage to shops in Sahastradhara, confirming the deployment of district administration, SDRF, and police for relief. "I am constantly in touch with the local administration and personally monitoring the situation. 

Dhami's office revealed he had briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who pledged full central support, emphasising the Union government's solidarity with Uttarakhand. The chief minister is currently touring affected sites in Dehradun, accompanied by local MLAs and senior officials, reiterating the state's commitment to affected families.

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Uttarakhand's Himalayan terrain amplifies the risks of monsoon rains, with recurring disasters underscoring the urgency for improved infrastructure and early warning systems. The 2023 floods, which killed over 500, serve as a grim reminder of the state's vulnerability. As the meteorological department forecasts continued showers, authorities remain on high alert, urging residents to avoid riverbanks and unstable slopes.

Dhami affirmed, "The state government stands with every affected family. The administration is already on alert mode, and NDRF, SDRF, police, and local teams are constantly active." Recovery efforts will focus on restoring access and assessing damages, as communities brace for potential prolonged disruptions.

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