- Monsoon-triggered disasters have claimed 69 lives and left 37 missing in Himachal Pradesh.
- Cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods have caused Rs 700 crore in damages.
- Over 280 roads blocked, dozens of villages cut off, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Unrelenting monsoon rains have unleashed chaos across Himachal Pradesh, triggering deadly landslides, flash floods, and multiple cloudbursts. Between June 20 and July 3, at least 69 people have died, while 37 remain unaccounted for.
The economic fallout is equally severe, with losses estimated at Rs 700 crore. Public infrastructure has been hit hard—280 roads are blocked, 14 bridges washed out, and over 780 water supply schemes have been disrupted.
Monsoon Mayhem: Himachal Battles Nature’s Wrath as Lives and Livelihoods Vanish
Since the monsoon began on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 14 cloudbursts, drastically affecting essential services and connectivity. In many remote villages, debris has buried farmlands and blocked paths, making it nearly impossible for aid to reach. The continuous deluge has turned once-peaceful streams into raging torrents, sweeping away cattle, crops, and livelihoods.
Thunag and Bagsayed, in the Mandi district, are among the worst-hit areas. Located in the constituency of former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, these villages saw multiple landslides and flash floods within hours. Search-and-rescue teams are still looking for dozens of missing people under debris and in isolated valleys. In some parts, helicopters have been deployed due to the inaccessibility of roads.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Himachal’s Chief Minister and assured immediate central assistance. NDRF teams have been deployed not only in Himachal but also in other monsoon-hit states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Additional reinforcements are on standby as the Indian Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall till July 7.
As communities grapple with the psychological and physical aftermath, many have taken shelter in makeshift camps. So far, more than 400 people have been relocated, with 348 from Mandi district alone. The state government is also assessing long-term rehabilitation needs, even as emergency teams work to restore drinking water and electricity in affected regions.
The relentless monsoon has left Himachal Pradesh battling a dual crisis—of survival and recovery. As nature’s fury continues, swift action and resilient planning remain crucial to restore normalcy and prevent further loss.
“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”
— Sir Edmund Hillary
