Watch: Cars swept away in Haridwar as Sukhi River floods amid heavy rains

Weather: Flooding after heavy rainfall

Haridwar: Vehicles washed away in the River Ganga after heavy rainfall, in Kotwali city area in Haridwar, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (PTI Photo)

Roads were submerged and vehicles were swept away as heavy rainfall caused Sukhi River to flood in Uttarakhand's Haridwar on Saturday.

Videos circulating on social media depicted waterlogged streets in the pilgrimage town and cars being carried away by the swirling currents.

Due to its typically dry nature, locals habitually park their cars on the Sukhi riverbed. This river joins the mainstream of the Ganga just a short distance away from the town.

In another video, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) could be seen rescuing vehicles caught in the water current near Kharkhari, Haridwar.

Crowds gathered on bridges over the Ganga near Har ki Pauri, using their mobile phones to capture footage of the floating cars.

Weather: Flooding after heavy rainfall

Haridwar: Vehicles that washed away in the River Ganga being lifted out after heavy rainfall, in Haridwar, Saturday, June 29, 2024. (PTI Photo)

Local authorities have issued warnings advising residents and visitors to avoid bathing in the river due to the perilous conditions. The Uttarkhand Police in a post on X informed that there had been no loss of lives in the incident and advised people to park their vehicles in the designated parking lot instead of the dry riverbed in Kharkari.

"The water level of Ganga rose due to heavy rains in Haridwar. Some people had parked their vehicles near the dry riverbed in Kharkhari instead of parking spaces, which started flowing into the Ganga river due to the strong flow of water. There has been no loss of life in the incident. Please park your vehicles in the designated parking lot only," the police said.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall and a generally cloudy sky in Haridwar on Sunday and over the next three days. An 'Orange Alert' has been declared for June 30 and July 1.

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