Dehradun, Sep 16 (NationPress) The Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple located in Uttarakhand's Dehradun has endured significant destruction following the Tamsa River's overflow, driven by relentless rainfall and a sudden cloudburst in Sahastradhara, which flooded the temple grounds.

Several feet of sand and debris invaded the temple premises, completely submerging the Shivling and causing extensive cracks in the structure's walls.

Officials have stated that, thankfully, there have been no reported fatalities as of now, but the extent of the damage is being labeled as severe. The water levels, which surged dramatically during the early hours, are beginning to subside.

As per temple authorities, the river started to rise sharply at approximately 5:00 A.M., resulting in the total flooding of the temple's first floor.

Priest Rajpal Giri remarked to IANS, "The damage is immense. The entire temple has been affected. The Shivling remains submerged under 3–4 feet of debris. The water began to escalate around 5 A.M., and the situation worsened when the water reached the first floor of the temple."

Officials have urged both temple priests and local residents to maintain a safe distance from the riverbank until conditions improve.

A local resident commented, "Everything is destroyed, except for the Shivling, which is currently covered in sand. All the doors to the chambers are blocked by water and debris. The water level has risen, and 3–4 feet of sand, or possibly more, has entered the temple."

The cloudburst that initiated the flooding occurred late Monday night in the Kalighat region of Sahastradhara, a well-known tourist spot in Dehradun.

Substantial debris from this incident has also caused damage to two to three hotels and various shops in the main marketplace.

Reports of destruction have emerged from other regions in the state as well, including Rishikesh and Haldwani, where swollen rivers and debris have disrupted everyday life.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to assess the situation.

Both leaders pledged their full support, with the Prime Minister affirming that the Union government "stands firmly with Uttarakhand in this time of crisis."

Chief Minister Dhami expressed his appreciation, stating, "With the guidance and assistance from the Prime Minister and Home Minister, relief operations will be conducted more swiftly in the state."

He noted that the administrative framework is fully activated and that rescue and relief efforts are underway with urgency.

The Chief Minister inspected the affected areas in Dehradun district on Tuesday, accompanied by local MLAs and senior officials who provided updates on the destruction.

Teams from the SDRF, NDRF, and the Public Works Department have been mobilized, utilizing JCB machines and other equipment to clear debris and facilitate relief efforts.