Shimla – Relentless monsoon rains have unleashed devastation across Himachal Pradesh, claiming more than 37 lives and causing property damage worth over ₹400 crore, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain alert for the state until July 7, warning of continued heavy rainfall and the risk of further disruption.
The most severely affected region is the Mandi district, where rescue and relief operations are in full swing. Roads have been blocked, essential services like water and electricity disrupted, and entire villages have been cut off due to landslides and flash floods.
“We have recorded over ₹400 crore in losses so far, as per preliminary reports. However, the actual damage is likely to be significantly higher,” said DC Rana, Special Secretary of the SDMA and Revenue Department, in a press briefing on Wednesday. “Our immediate priority is to focus on search, rescue, and restoring critical services. A complete assessment of the damage will take more time.”
The Thunag subdivision of Mandi has borne the brunt of the disaster, with major infrastructure damage. Roads remain impassable, and residents are facing acute shortages of basic services. Top officials, including engineers from the Public Works Department and senior officers from the state electricity and water departments, have been deployed to oversee the restoration work.
So far, 37 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents this monsoon season, with an additional 26 deaths reported from road accidents during the same period. Authorities said that 40 people are still missing in Mandi district alone, and search operations are ongoing.
“A village in Mandi has been completely devastated. Relief camps have been set up, and food packets were air-dropped by the Indian Air Force yesterday,” said Rana.
He also highlighted the broader environmental concerns contributing to the worsening situation. “These events are symptomatic of global warming and climate change. Himachal Pradesh is increasingly vulnerable to these impacts.”
Across the state, 250 roads remain closed, over 500 power distribution transformers are non-functional, and nearly 700 drinking water schemes have been disrupted, the SDMA confirmed.
A coordinated response involving local authorities, the police, Home Guards, State and National Disaster Response Forces (SDRF and NDRF), and central agencies is underway to manage the crisis.
In Shimla, daily life has been brought to a standstill. Schools have been hit hard, with water flooding classrooms and disrupting education.
“It’s raining heavily. Water is entering our classrooms, and our clothes and books are soaked. Our teachers are telling us it’s safer to stay home,” said Tanuja Thakur, a school student from Shimla. “Our school is surrounded by trees. There’s always a fear that one could fall. Thankfully, we’re safe for now.”
With the IMD forecasting more rain in the coming days, the administration remains on high alert. Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and to follow safety advisories strictly.
