NEW DELHI: Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the devastating impact of the ongoing monsoon, with heavy rains triggering landslides, flash floods, and widespread destruction across the state. According to the latest report by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the death toll since June 20 has climbed to 80. Of these, 52 deaths have been directly linked to rain-related disasters such as landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods, while the remaining 28 fatalities have occurred due to secondary causes including road accidents, electrocution, and snake bites.
The worst-affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, and Shimla, with Mandi alone reporting 17 rain-related deaths, followed by 11 in Kangra. Authorities have issued fresh alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Shimla, Kullu, Chamba, and Mandi, warning residents of the continued risk of landslides and flash floods in vulnerable regions.
Since the onset of the monsoon, the state has recorded 23 flash flood incidents, 19 cloudbursts, and 16 major landslides. The damage has not only been limited to human casualties but has also severely impacted infrastructure and livelihoods. A total of 128 people have been injured, 320 homes completely destroyed, and another 38 partially damaged. Additionally, over 10,200 livestock and poultry deaths have been reported, adding to the woes of farmers and rural communities. The estimated loss to public infrastructure currently stands at ₹692.6 crore.
Relief and rescue operations are underway, led by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Temporary shelters and relief camps have been set up across affected districts to provide aid to displaced families. However, continuous downpours and blocked roads are significantly hampering efforts to deliver relief materials and evacuate those stranded in remote areas. Several key highways and rural roads remain cut off due to debris and waterlogging, while locals report severe crop losses, extended power outages, and disruptions to essential supplies.
The SDMA has urged the public to remain cautious and avoid vulnerable areas, especially near riverbanks, steep slopes, and under-construction sites. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with more rain forecast in the coming days. The monsoon, which once symbolized renewal for the hill state, has now turned into a season of destruction and despair. As Himachal Pradesh continues to battle nature’s fury, rescue teams, local authorities, and residents brace for further challenges in the days ahead.
