The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescued a child trapped in the flooded Swarna River in Uttarakhand on Tuesday. The incident occurred after a cloudburst in Dehradun triggered heavy rainfall, swelling rivers and streams across the region.
NDRF Swift Rescue Operation
The child was stranded on a pole-like structure midstream of the Swarna River at Tharkurpur, Premnagar.
“1 child trapped in the flooded midstream of the Swarna River at Tharkurpur, Premnagar. NDRF conducted #FWR Ops and rescued the child safely; PHT provided,” the NDRF posted on X.
⛈️ #FWR Ops | Dehradun (UKD) | 16 Sep
🔸1 child trapped in the flooded midstream of Swarna River at Tharkurpur, Premnagar
🔸NDRF conducted #FWR Ops and rescued the child safely; PHT provided
🔸People in flood-prone areas are advised to stay alert & follow safety guidelines pic.twitter.com/oMCmtawmXz
— NDRF India I राष्ट्रीय आपदा मोचन बल 🇮🇳 (@NDRFHQ) September 16, 2025
The agency urged residents of flood-prone areas to remain alert and follow safety guidelines during the ongoing weather crisis.
In a video shared by the NDRF, a rescue personnel member is seen ziplining across the raging waters to reach the child. The officer then secures the child with a carabiner, enabling the boy to zipline back to safety.
Heavy Rainfall and Flood Damage in Uttarakhand
The overnight rains wreaked havoc across Dehradun and nearby regions. Shops were washed away and roads were severely damaged.
A video circulating online showed around ten labourers being swept away by the Tons River, which was in full spate due to the heavy rainfall. According to NDTV, six of them are feared dead.
District magistrate Savin Bansal confirmed that rescue operations were underway. Teams from the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Public Works Department (PWD) were deployed to manage the crisis.
What Triggered the Cloudburst?
Meteorologists explained that the sudden cloudburst and intense rainfall were caused by unusual wind activity.
“The rains were a result of violent interaction between warm and dry winds due to an anti-cyclone near Rajasthan and humid easterly winds,” Mahesh Palawat, vice president (meteorology) at Skymet, told PTI.
C. S. Tomar, head of the India Meteorological Department’s regional centre in Dehradun, added that the interaction between dry westerlies and moist easterlies could continue for the next 24 hours.
Uttarakhand on High Alert
Authorities have placed flood-hit areas on high alert. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing as more rainfall is expected. Officials continue to urge residents to avoid risky zones and cooperate with safety advisories.
The NDRF and SDRF remain stationed in vulnerable regions to prevent further loss of life and property.
