Himachal Pradesh Flood Disaster: 78 Dead, Over 50 Rain-Related

The monsoon has unleashed massive destruction across northern India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, where 78 people have lost their lives due to flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and road accidents since June 20, 2025.

The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirmed that 23 flash floods, 19 cloudbursts, and 16 landslides have been reported in Himachal Pradesh as of July 6. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange weather alerts in several districts, as rescue and recovery operations continue amid warnings of more rainfall.

 Flash Floods and Landslides Wreak Havoc in Himachal Pradesh

According to the SDMA, of the 78 fatalities, 50 deaths were directly caused by rain-related incidents such as:

• 14 deaths from flash floods

• 8 deaths by drowning

• 8 due to electrocution and falls

• Landslides, lightning strikes, and snake bites caused additional casualties

The remaining 28 fatalities were the result of monsoon-related road accidents, highlighting the multi-faceted dangers of heavy rainfall in hilly regions.

 37 Missing, 115 Injured in Ongoing Monsoon Crisis

In addition to the confirmed fatalities, at least 37 people remain missing across flood-hit districts, while 115 individuals have been reported injured due to flooding, electrocution, landslides, and structural collapses. Local authorities have launched search and rescue operations, deploying the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and volunteers to the worst-affected zones.

 Massive Infrastructural Losses Across Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kangra

The damage to infrastructure has been severe. In Mandi district, the Himachal Cooperative Bank in Thunag was partially destroyed after floodwaters and debris submerged its ground and first floors. Locals say that crores worth of cash, documents, and valuables have likely been lost.

Hari Mohan, a local trader, shared:

“This bank served over 8,000 people. Now, everything from lockers to daily cash has been reduced to rubble. We don’t know what will happen to our savings.”

Residents are now guarding the bank ruins to prevent theft, as incidents of looting in flood-affected zones have been reported.

Roads Blocked, Power Down, Water Supply Halted

As of July 6, the following public infrastructure remains affected in Himachal Pradesh:

• 243 roads blocked, including two national highways

• 278 electricity transformers non-functional

• 261 drinking water projects disrupted

Authorities have launched emergency restoration work, but access to remote villages remains limited, especially in areas like Kullu, Mandi, and Chamba.

 IMD Issues Red and Orange Alerts Across 10 Districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continuing heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls over the next 72 hours.

• Red alert issued for:

  • Mandi

  • Sirmaur

  • Kangra

• Orange alert issued for:

  • Shimla

  • Solan

  • Hamirpur

  • Bilaspur

  • Una

  • Kullu

  • Chamba

The red alert indicates a “take action” situation, where local governments must stay on high alert to protect lives and property.

 Landslide Warning in Four Uttarakhand Districts

In neighbouring Uttarakhand, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has issued a landslide alert for four hill districts, namely:

• Tehri Garhwal

• Uttarkashi

• Rudraprayag

• Chamoli

Subdivisions like Chamoli, Ukhimath, Ghansali, Dhanaulti, Narendra Nagar, Dunda, and Chinyalisaur have been identified as high-risk zones from July 7 to 9.

 State Emergency Operations Centre Directives

In light of the ongoing natural disasters, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Uttarakhand has directed all district administrations to:

• Maintain round-the-clock monitoring

• Deploy JCB and Pokland machines for debris removal

• Keep wireless equipment and mobile phones active at all times

• Restrict tourist movement in high Himalayan regions

• Halt vehicular and pedestrian traffic in areas experiencing intense rainfall

Furthermore, Revenue Sub Inspectors, Village Development Officers, and Gram Panchayat Officials have been instructed to stay in their respective areas and coordinate real-time responses.

 Road Closures and Travel Restrictions

Due to high-risk weather and landslide conditions, both Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have closed several key routes, affecting tourism and transport. Travelers are strongly advised to postpone trips to hill stations and stay updated through official government advisories.

The Chandigarh-Manali Highway, Rishikesh-Badrinath Road, and several intra-district link roads have become dangerous due to continuous landslides.

 Human Impact: A Town’s Bank in Rubble, Locals Left Helpless

The image of the flood-ravaged Himachal Cooperative Bank in Mandi has gone viral on social media, symbolizing the vulnerability of both public and private institutions to natural calamities. With many people’s life savings locked inside mud-filled lockers, public anger is growing.

Officials are yet to conduct a formal assessment of the total economic damage, which may run into hundreds of crores of rupees, factoring in damage to agriculture, businesses, homes, and civic infrastructure.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

The Himachal Pradesh state government, along with central disaster agencies, has initiated relief operations across affected areas. CM’s office announced the release of emergency funds for immediate relief, rehabilitation, and repair of essential infrastructure.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been alerted, and additional teams may be deployed depending on the evolving situation.

Residents and travelers in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are advised not to venture into landslide-prone or low-lying areas until further notice. Tourists are urged to defer travel plans to high-altitude regions like Kedarnath, Manali, and Dalhousie, which are particularly vulnerable during the monsoon.

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