A tragic cloudburst in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, early Tuesday has claimed the lives of seven workers from Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad division, with several others still missing. The incident occurred when a group of 14 migrant laborers from Moradabad and Sambhal districts, traveling on a tractor-trolley, was swept away while attempting to cross the swollen Tons River in Vikasnagar tehsil. The victims were reportedly heading to work when the vehicle lost control amid flash floods triggered by intense overnight rainfall.
According to district authorities, six to seven bodies have been recovered so far, including those of the Moradabad workers, while six to eight individuals remain unaccounted for. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are conducting intensive search and rescue operations at the site, battling strong currents and debris. Administrative teams from both Moradabad and Dehradun are coordinating efforts, with the Moradabad District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) providing support to the affected families.
Grieving relatives from Moradabad have rushed to the scene, where they are awaiting news of their loved ones. Visuals from the area show the tractor-trolley submerged in the raging river, highlighting the ferocity of the floods.
This disaster is part of a broader calamity in Dehradun, where heavy rains since Monday night have led to multiple cloudbursts in areas like Sahastradhara, Maldevta, Manjayada, and Karligad. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall, thunder, and lightning, warning of further landslides and flash floods. Overall, at least 15 people have been killed across Uttarakhand, with 16 missing, including incidents where a tractor with 15 people was swept into the Tons River in Premnagar and houses were inundated near Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspected the affected sites in Sahastradhara, Raipur, and Maldevta, directing immediate relief measures including food, shelter, and medical aid. Over 200 students stranded at Devbhoomi Institute in Paunda were rescued, and damages to roads, bridges, houses, and shops are estimated at over ₹10 crore. The floods have washed away vehicles, submerged the IT Park and bus stands, and closed key routes like Dehradun-Musoorie.
