By Himachal Pradesh is reeling from the worst monsoon fury in recent memory, with relentless rains triggering widespread destruction across the hilly state. As of now, at least 37 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, and the financial toll has crossed ₹400 crore. Officials warn the situation could deteriorate further, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting continued heavy downpours until July 7.
The worst-hit region is the Mandi district, particularly the Thunag subdivision, where a devastating combination of landslides, flash floods, and washed-out roads has left communities isolated and desperate for relief. Rescue efforts are being led by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), with crucial support from the Indian Air Force, which has begun airdropping food packets to stranded residents.
Unfolding Disaster
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Special Secretary of the SDMA and Revenue Department, DC Rana, confirmed the scale of the crisis. “We have recorded over ₹400 crore in losses so far, as entered in our system. But the actual damage is likely to be much higher. Our primary focus at the moment is on search, rescue, and restoration,” Rana said.
In Mandi alone, 40 people are reported missing, with numerous homes and infrastructure washed away or buried under landslides. Relief camps have been set up, and engineers from departments such as the Public Works Department (PWD), the Electricity Board, and the Jal Shakti Department are working around the clock to restore basic services.
Across the state, more than 250 roads are currently blocked due to landslides and debris. Transportation has come to a halt in many regions, cutting off access to essential supplies and medical aid. Meanwhile, over 500 electricity transformers are reported to be non-functional, plunging several villages and towns into darkness. Additionally, nearly 700 water supply schemes have collapsed, compounding the humanitarian crisis.
A Mounting Human Cost
So far, 37 lives have been lost to rain-induced disasters such as landslides, house collapses, and drowning incidents. Another 26 people have died in road accidents attributed to treacherous driving conditions on slippery, fog-covered roads. Emergency services are operating under immense pressure, with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Home Guards, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed in affected zones.
The capital city Shimla has also borne the brunt of the downpour. Schools in several parts of the city reported flooding in classrooms, forcing authorities to advise parents to keep children at home. “It’s raining heavily. Water is entering our classrooms, our clothes and books are soaked. Our teachers are telling us it’s better to stay at home,” said Tanuja Thakur, a school student from Shimla. “Our school is surrounded by trees. There is always a fear that a tree could fall. Thankfully, we are safe for now.”
Climate Crisis Warning
Authorities have linked the scale and intensity of the disaster to broader environmental issues. “These events are a consequence of global warming and climate change. Himachal is not untouched by these impacts,” DC Rana said. The Himalayan region has increasingly been experiencing more intense and erratic weather patterns, a fact confirmed by IMD data over the past decade. Experts note that deforestation, unregulated construction, and fragile mountain ecosystems have worsened the impact of extreme weather events.
Environmentalists and local NGOs are urging immediate policy action. “We need to stop building concrete jungles in eco-sensitive zones. The mountains cannot take this kind of pressure anymore,” said Manjeet Rawat, a Shimla-based conservationist.
Government Response and Precautionary Measures
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired an emergency meeting on Tuesday evening to assess the situation and allocate additional resources to disaster-hit areas. “We are deploying every resource available to save lives and ensure immediate relief,” he said, directing state agencies to accelerate rescue operations and provide compensation to the families of the deceased.
The IMD has extended its yellow alert for heavy rain across most districts, warning residents to avoid travel and stay indoors wherever possible. Schools have been asked to remain shut in vulnerable districts until the situation improves.
To bolster communication, satellite phones have been dispatched to remote villages where power and telecom networks have gone down. Temporary shelters and kitchens are being run by local panchayats, with community volunteers stepping in to assist rescue personnel.
Conclusion
As Himachal Pradesh grapples with nature’s fury, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. With more rain expected in the coming days and the death toll likely to rise, the state remains on high alert. The current crisis underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable development practices, and stronger disaster preparedness frameworks across India’s ecologically sensitive regions.
While the resilience of local communities and the swift mobilisation of disaster teams offer a ray of hope, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the mounting challenges posed by a rapidly changing climate.
