Himachal Pradesh is under the grip of the disastrous effects of continuous monsoon rains that have already taken 69 lives, choked more than 250 roads, and resulted in mass devastation in the hilly state. Heavy rains have caused landslides, flash flooding, and building collapse, isolating several areas and putting rescue efforts in motion.
The harsh weather has caused an estimated ₹400 crore loss up to now, as per official reports. Various districts such as Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, and Solan have been devastated immensely. In various places, individuals are still missing as the authorities are still conducting search and rescue efforts under extremely difficult conditions.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has described the situation as one of the worst monsoon disasters the state has seen in recent years. He emphasized that state and central agencies are working round the clock to restore connectivity, rescue stranded individuals, and provide relief materials to affected families. “We are doing everything possible to reach the affected people and bring normalcy,” he stated.
In Mandi district alone, several landslides have encroached upon houses and damaged major roadways, isolating access to basic services. Emergency responders, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Indian Army, are deployed in affected areas. Helicopters are kept on hold for airlifting in remote areas, although steady rain has impeded activities.
Among the fatalities are children and senior citizens, many of whom are injured and in hospital treatment. The inclement weather has further complicated the efforts of authorities in assessing the number of missing persons, but dozens are believed to have been trapped under the rubble or washed away by flash floods.
Power disruptions and communications failures have added to the crisis in most areas of the state. Education institutions, both schools and colleges, have been closed as a precaution, and tourists have been asked to delay or cancel travel to the region until further notice.
Besides the human loss of life, the monsoon rage has inflicted huge damage on agriculture, livestock, and public infrastructure. Bridges have been swept away, and water levels in big rivers such as the Beas and Sutlej are still at alarmingly high levels.
The Himachal Pradesh state government has also approached the Centre and other bordering states for more assistance. Relief camps are being established for displaced families, and medical squads are kept on standby to counter the risk of disease outbreaks.
With the monsoon still raging in the area, residents are preparing for more trouble. Official warnings have been sounded and people have been urged to remain on guard and keep away from landslide areas.
