Haridwar: Heavy rainfall in Nainital district on Saturday led to a sudden rise in the water level of the Nandhaur River in the Chorgalia area of Haldwani, disrupting mining operations and causing panic among workers and vehicle operators.The unexpected flash flood caught mining workers off guard, as a surge of water inundated the riverbed. Videos circulating online showed vehicles being swept away or trapped in the river's strong currents, while workers and mining operators were seen fleeing the site, some managing to rescue some vehicles amid the gushing water. Authorities have confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far.Mining operations were immediately suspended in the area.

As a precautionary measure, the forest development corporation sealed all mining exit gates along the river. Authorities assured that efforts to retrieve the stranded vehicles would commence once the water level recedes.Haldwani sub-district magistrate Rahul Sah said, "There is no report of any vehicle being swept away. There were a few vehicles used for mining that got stuck as the water level increased. But there is no loss of life or property. Until the water level decreases, the mining will be halted."