Himachal Pradesh is grappling with widespread devastation following relentless monsoon rains, which have left at least 157 people dead and 257 missing across the state. The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) reported that the monsoon, active since June 30, has also led to significant infrastructure damage and economic losses.
Roads Blocked and Casualties Mount
The incessant downpour has rendered approximately 260 roads inoperable, severely disrupting connectivity. Among the most critical closures is the Mandi-Kullu highway. Mandi district bears the brunt of these closures with 120 roads shut, followed by Chamba with 42, Kullu with 40, and Shimla with 30. Authorities are working to clear routes, but fresh landslides and continuous heavy rain are hindering efforts in the mountainous terrain.
The death toll of 157 includes 68 fatalities directly from landslides and flash floods, while another 89 people lost their lives in rain-related road accidents. The high number of missing persons, currently standing at 257, raises fears that the final casualty count could be higher. Overall, nearly 900 properties and public works have sustained damage, contributing to an estimated economic loss of approximately ₹886 crore.
Infrastructure Severely Impacted
Beyond road closures, essential services have also been severely affected. Power supply is significantly disrupted, with 161 distribution transformers non-functional for over a week. Mandi accounts for 77 of these outages, while Shimla has 43 and Kullu 40. Drinking water schemes have also taken a hit, with 54 systems impacted statewide; Shimla alone reports 33 affected schemes.
Orange Alert Issued as Rains Continue
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Shimla, and Sirmaur, with forecasts indicating a wet spell until at least August 16. Visuals from Kullu depict the severity of the situation, showing debris crashing down hillsides, flash floods sweeping away vehicles and makeshift bridges, and the Beas river flowing dangerously high.
Neighboring Uttarakhand has also experienced similar monsoon fury, with a metal bridge in Chamoli district's Niti Valley reportedly swept away by floodwaters. The ongoing weather conditions underscore the critical challenges faced by rescue and relief operations across the Himalayan region.