Dehradun’s Great Flood of 1924: The Monsoon That Broke All Records
A record 1014 mm of rain was recorded in September 1924, a record that still stands. The highest single-day rainfall of 212 mm occurred on September 3 of that year, a record that also remains unbroken.
Dehradun, September 4, 2025: Who could ever forget the devastating flash floods that struck Kedarnath just 12 years ago? The memory of that destruction still sends shivers down the spine. This year, the monsoon’s aggressive behavior is once again causing fear. Already in the first few days of September, Dehradun district has recorded 139.2 mm of rainfall, nearly half the monthly average. Looking at the last thirty years, the average for September is 305 mm.
Let’s take a look at history for a moment, and some interesting facts come to light. Exactly 101 years ago, Dehradun faced conditions resembling a great flood. While records of the damage are unavailable, what we do know is no less shocking.
It was September 1924. Dehradun and the surrounding areas seemed to be trapped by the clouds. The weather had been sour since September 1st, but on the 3rd, it felt as if the sky itself had burst open. It was a scene of sheer chaos, with water everywhere. On that day, Dehradun received 212.6 mm of rain, a record for a single day in September that remains to this day. Roads, bridges, and buildings were submerged. Meteorological department records show that a total of 1014.0 mm of rain was recorded that month in Dehradun. This was no small number—it remains the highest rainfall record ever. Imagine what it would have been like, with relentless downpours wreaking havoc.
The situation wasn’t just in Dehradun. Rishikesh was also in a dire state. The force of the Ganga River washed away the original jute rope bridge of Laxman Jhula. It was only after this disaster that a new bridge was constructed in 1930.
Today, we stand in an era where the meteorological department can issue alerts in advance. In 1924, no such technology existed. The people of that time endured nature’s fury without any warning. This terrifying chapter of history teaches us how small humans are in the face of nature. Today, as we remember this record-breaking rainfall, we can truly understand the gravity of the damage from 1924, which left an indelible mark on Uttarakhand’s history.
