Relentless monsoon rains continue to batter northern India, with Himachal Pradesh facing widespread devastation that has already claimed 78 lives. Since June 20, the hill state has been grappling with flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, crippling infrastructure and cutting off access to several regions.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirmed that out of the 78 deaths, 50 were directly rain-related, caused by drowning, electrocution, flash floods, and lightning strikes. Another 28 fatalities were reported in separate road accidents amid poor weather conditions. Additionally, 37 individuals are still missing, while 115 have been injured in the wake of the extreme weather.
Among the hardest-hit regions is Mandi, where the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank’s first floor was submerged in water and sludge. Locals report that documents, jewellery, and cash worth crores were lost to the floods. Reports have also emerged of opportunistic thefts, with residents spotting looters trying to snatch away valuables carried off by the waters.
Infrastructure damage is extensive. The state currently has 243 roads closed, 278 electricity transformers knocked out, and 261 drinking water supply schemes brought to a halt. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mandi, Kangra, and Sirmaur, forecasting intense rain and gusty winds over the next 72 hours.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Uttarakhand is bracing for similar devastation. The Geological Survey of India has issued landslide warnings across Tehri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli districts. Subdivisions like Ukhimath, Ghansali, Narendra Nagar, and Chinyalisaur have been marked as high-risk zones for July 7 and 8.
The State Emergency Operations Centres in both states have instructed all district authorities, police, and disaster response forces to remain on round-the-clock alert. Tourist activity and vehicular movement in landslide-prone Himalayan areas are being strictly curtailed. Officials have been directed to stay in their assigned locations with fully functional communication systems for at least the next 48 hours.
