Himachal Flood Disaster: 37 Dead, ₹400 Cr Damage in Monsoon Fury
Severe monsoon rainfall has unleashed devastation across Himachal Pradesh, claiming the lives of at least 37 people, displacing scores, and damaging public infrastructure and private property worth over ₹400 crore, as confirmed by state authorities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed several districts on red alert with heavy rain expected to continue until July 7, intensifying fears of more landslides and flash floods.
Mandi District at the Epicentre
The Mandi district, particularly the Thunag subdivision, has been the worst affected, accounting for the majority of the damage and casualties. According to the State Disaster Management Authority, around 40 people remain missing in the region, where houses, cattle sheds, roads, and public utilities have been obliterated by cloudbursts and landslides. Rescue and search efforts by the NDRF, SDRF, state police, and local volunteers are ongoing.
In Mandi alone, damage includes:
- 150+ homes and 100+ cattle sheds destroyed
- 14 bridges and 31 vehicles washed away
- Five relief camps established for displaced residents
Utilities, Roads and Communication Networks Crippled
The widespread flooding has rendered over 250 roads impassable, with 145 roadblocks in Mandi district itself.
- 500+ power transformers have failed
- Nearly 700 water supply schemes have been affected
- The Shimla-Kalka heritage railway is suspended
- Emergency communication is now reliant on ISATs and intra-circle roaming
Teams from Public Works, electricity boards, and water departments are working round the clock to restore services to affected zones.
Air Force Joins Relief Operations
The Indian Air Force has been deployed for aerial relief in remote or inaccessible areas, particularly in parts of Mandi and Kullu. Air-droppable relief packages are being used to support stranded villagers.
In Shimla, schools have either shut down or are conducting classes remotely due to waterlogging and fear of tree collapses.
Climate Change Behind Escalating Intensity
Experts and officials alike have pointed to the rising frequency and severity of monsoon disasters in Himachal Pradesh as a direct consequence of climate change. Warmer temperatures are fuelling more intense cloudbursts in hilly regions, resulting in landslides and flood surges that older infrastructure cannot withstand.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Deaths | 37 |
| Estimated Losses | ₹400+ crore |
| People Missing | ~40 in Mandi |
| Roads Blocked | 250+ (145 in Mandi) |
| Utilities Down | 500 transformers, 700 water schemes |
| Animals Lost | 164 cattle |
