Heavy rainfall and cloudbursts have led to significant devastation in Himachal Pradesh, with the death toll rising to 13. The casualties were confirmed after rescue operations on Sunday recovered four bodies from the Mandi and Shimla districts. The disaster struck across several regions including Kullu’s Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana, Mandi’s Padhar, and Shimla’s Rampur subdivision on the night of July 31. Official sources report that over 40 individuals remain missing.
The state has mobilized extensive rescue efforts involving machinery, sniffer dogs, drones, and additional resources to locate and assist those affected. The ongoing monsoon has inflicted a financial toll of Rs 662 crore on Himachal Pradesh since June 27. This includes significant damage to infrastructure and assets, as reported by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Local reports indicate that three villages—Samej, Dhara Sarda, and Kushwa—on the border of Shimla and Kullu have been without electricity since the flash floods. The destruction has also severely impacted road networks. Currently, 87 roads across the state are closed due to the severe weather conditions. In response, 410 rescuers from various teams, including the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force, Assam (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Himachal Pradesh Police, and home guards, are actively involved in the search and recovery operations.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, visited Samej village on Sunday to assess the situation and meet with affected residents. The state government has announced immediate relief measures, including Rs 50,000 for victims and a monthly rent support of Rs 5,000 for the next three months, along with provisions for gas, food, and other essentials.
The local meteorological office has issued a yellow alert for heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning across isolated areas in Himachal Pradesh through August 8. The forecast warns of potential landslides, flash floods, damage to plantations and crops, and waterlogging in low-lying areas. In addition, 41 transformers and 66 water supply schemes have been disrupted. Recent rainfall data highlights the highest precipitation in Hamirpur at 54 mm since Friday evening, with significant rainfall also recorded in Berthin, Dharamshala, Neri, Kangra, Kukumseri, Sundernagar, Manali, Chamba, and Bajaura.
Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti has experienced the coldest nights with temperatures dropping to 12.1 degrees Celsius, while Una has seen the highest daytime temperatures, reaching 36.8 degrees Celsius.
