Himachal Pradesh is reeling from widespread devastation brought on by relentless monsoon rains, which have triggered flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts across the state. The current death toll has risen to at least 69, with over 110 people injured and 37 still unaccounted for, according to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
As the rains show no sign of relenting, a statewide alert remains in place till July 7, warning of more heavy downpours. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Sukhu assured citizens that his administration is fully committed to supporting affected families. “We stand with those impacted,” he stated, adding that a Rs 5,000 relief will be given to families for temporary shelter.
Mandi Worst-Hit as Roads Collapse, Power Fails
The worst destruction has occurred in Mandi district, where landslides and floods have washed away homes, roads, and bridges. At least 40 people are missing in Mandi alone. Entire villages have been cut off due to damaged infrastructure. Regions like Thunag, Bagsayed, Karsog, and Dharampur have reported severe structural damage.
Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, who represents Seraj in Mandi, described the situation as “unprecedented,” with 500 houses affected in his constituency alone. Several other districts—Kangra, Chamba, Shimla, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kinnaur, and Kullu—have also reported casualties and destruction.
Cloudbursts and Mudslides Cause Panic
Since the monsoon began on June 20, there have been 14 cloudbursts across the state. Landslides in areas like Dhalli in Shimla and Sirmaur have been caught on video, showing torrents of boulders and mud tearing through hillsides and blocking roads. In one viral video from Sirmaur, a person filming the slide is heard warning others to run as rocks crash down.
Locals have blamed poor infrastructure and negligence for repeated collapses. In Lindidhar, a road embankment collapsed again after earlier warnings were allegedly ignored by the National Highway Authority of India.
Massive Disruptions in Basic Services
According to state officials, the economic impact of the monsoon disaster has already crossed Rs 400 crore, though the true scale may be much higher. The floods have destroyed 150 homes, 106 cattle sheds, 14 bridges, and 31 vehicles. Over 164 cattle have died, and critical infrastructure has suffered: 246 roads are closed, 500+ power transformers are out of service, and 700+ drinking water schemes have been disrupted.
In Shimla, even schools have flooded, forcing closures. Towns like Manali have also been affected; the Manali-Keylong road was blocked by floodwaters near Solang Nallah, causing massive traffic disruption.
Relief and Rescue Operations in Full Swing
The Indian Air Force has begun air-dropping food and ration kits to remote villages like Thunag and Janjheli. The NDRF, SDRF, police, and local home guards are involved in ongoing search and rescue missions. As of now, 402 people have been rescued, including 348 in Mandi alone.
To ensure communication in the cut-off areas, Intra Circle Roaming has been enabled, and ISAT phones have been deployed for emergency response. The Jal Shakti Department is working to restore drinking water by activating small-scale, chlorinated water systems.
Government Response and Climate Warnings
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reached out to the Chief Ministers of Himachal, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh, promising full central support. “Adequate numbers of NDRF teams have been deployed… and reinforcements can be sent,” he said.
Meanwhile, IMD has issued an orange alert for Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Chamba, and Mandi for July 5–6, forecasting more intense rain spells and heightened risks of flash floods and road collapse.
Experts warn these extreme events may be a result of climate change. “These are direct consequences of global warming,” said DC Rana, Special Secretary at the State Disaster Management Authority. He stressed the urgent need for better preparedness and infrastructure to withstand such disasters in the future.
Call for Vigilance as Monsoon Continues
With rain expected to continue into next week, state authorities have urged people to stay indoors, follow safety advisories, and avoid traveling through flood-prone areas. Relief teams are working tirelessly to deliver aid, clear blocked roads, and ensure that no one is left behind.
