New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the devastating impact of heavy monsoon rains, with 51 people losing their lives and six still missing in just 11 days, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Relentless downpours have triggered landslides, flash floods, and widespread damage, plunging the hill state into chaos and disrupting daily life, infrastructure, and essential services.
The SDMA report reveals that 13 houses — including 9 pucca (permanent) and 4 kutcha (temporary) — have been completely destroyed. An additional 35 kutcha houses have sustained partial damage. The fury of the rains has also wiped out nine shops and 41 cattle sheds, leaving many residents without shelter or livelihood.
The Public Works Department (PWD) and the Jal Shakti Department have reported combined infrastructure losses exceeding ₹356 crore. Road connectivity has been severely impacted, with 406 roads closed, cutting off access to several remote and hilly regions. This has hampered ongoing rescue and relief operations, making it difficult to reach affected communities with timely assistance.
In addition to road damage, the downpour has wreaked havoc on essential services. Around 1,515 power transformers are currently non-functional, plunging multiple areas into darkness. Water supply systems have also taken a hit, with 171 water supply schemes disrupted, creating serious concerns around public health and sanitation in rain-affected zones.
Emergency response teams are working round-the-clock to restore basic services, trace missing persons, and support affected families. Authorities have urged residents to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel, especially to vulnerable and high-risk zones, as rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier predicted a slight reduction in rainfall intensity starting July 1, but warned that light to moderate intermittent showers are likely to persist across the plains and mid-hill districts until July 6.
Among the districts, Mandi has been identified as the worst-hit, having recorded almost double its normal rainfall for the month of June. The excessive downpour has led to multiple landslides and blockages, compounding the challenges faced by residents and rescue teams alike.
With the monsoon season far from over, Himachal Pradesh remains on high alert. The government continues to assess damage and coordinate recovery efforts. The tragic loss of life and widespread destruction serve as a grim reminder of the growing frequency and intensity of climate-induced natural disasters in the Himalayan region.
