New Delhi: The fury of the monsoon has left a trail of destruction across Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with at least 78 people losing their lives in Himachal alone due to a combination of flash floods, landslides, and rain-triggered incidents. The relentless downpour has not only claimed lives but also caused massive infrastructural damage, leading to economic losses running into crores.
Since June 20, Himachal Pradesh has been ravaged by 23 flash floods, 19 cloudbursts, and 16 landslides, as per data released by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Of the 78 deaths reported so far, 50 are directly attributed to weather-related incidents, while the remaining 28 died in road accidents, many of them caused by dangerous driving conditions and landslides.
Among the rain-related fatalities, 14 were killed in flash floods, eight drowned, eight were electrocuted or died due to accidental falls, while others perished due to landslides, lightning strikes, and snake bites. The disaster has left at least 37 people missing and 115 injured, sparking fears the toll may rise further as rescue operations continue in remote regions.
One of the most shocking visuals has come from Thunag in Mandi district, where the first floor of the Himachal Cooperative Bank lies submerged in water and sludge. The bank, trusted for decades by locals with their life savings and jewellery, now resembles a disaster site. According to local trader Hari Mohan, this was the only bank serving nearly 8,000 residents. “It’s heartbreaking. The cash, documents, lockers—everything has turned to rubble,” he said.
The destruction has not only been physical but financial. While official estimates are awaited, losses are pegged in crores of rupees, including valuables deposited by villagers. With no security systems functioning, there are rising concerns over looting, as valuables swept away by floods are reportedly being stolen. Some residents have taken it upon themselves to guard what remains of the bank.
Across the state, 243 roads, including two national highways, remain blocked. 278 electricity transformers are non-functional and 261 water supply projects are down. The impact on transport, power, and water supply has brought daily life to a halt in many areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls through the weekend. A red alert has been issued for Sirmaur, Kangra, and Mandi, while an orange alert covers Shimla, Solan, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Kullu, and Chamba.
Adding to the monsoon mayhem, the Geological Survey of India has issued a landslide alert for four districts in Uttarakhand — Tehri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli — predicting potential landslides on July 7 and 8. Subdivisions such as Chamoli, Ukhimath, Ghansali, Narendra Nagar, Dhanaulti, Dunda, and Chinyalisaur have been flagged as vulnerable.
In response, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) has ordered all relevant agencies to remain on high alert, including District Magistrates, Disaster Management Authorities, Police, and SDRF personnel. Officials under the Disaster Management Incident Response System (IRS) have been told to stay stationed in their respective areas with their communication equipment active around the clock.
Tourist activity in the high Himalayan zones is being restricted, and both vehicular and pedestrian movement will be halted during periods of heavy rain. The state has also directed strategic deployment of JCBs, Pokland machines, and manpower in landslide-prone zones to handle emergencies quickly.
The 2025 monsoon has turned into a nightmare for residents of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. From washed-away roads and bridges to the collapse of vital institutions like banks and schools, the impact has been catastrophic. While state and central agencies scramble to provide relief, the unpredictable weather and terrain challenges are making rescue and restoration efforts difficult.
As these hill states struggle to stay afloat, the next 48 hours are crucial. With the IMD warning of further heavy rainfall, the administration and public remain on edge—bracing for more.
