Himachal Pradesh Grapples with Devastating Monsoon Floods; Death Toll Rises to 80
The northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is facing a severe humanitarian crisis as torrential monsoon rains, flash floods, and landslides continue to wreak havoc. As of Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the death toll from the ongoing monsoon season, which began on June 20, has tragically climbed to 80. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reports that 52 of these fatalities are directly attributed to rain-induced incidents such as cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, while 28 deaths resulted from other causes including road accidents exacerbated by the weather.
The picturesque hill state has been particularly hard-hit by extreme weather phenomena. Since June 20, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 23 flash floods, 19 cloudbursts, and 16 landslides. Mandi district remains the worst affected, accounting for the highest number of casualties and missing persons. Several areas, including Thunag, Gohar, and Karsog subdivisions in Mandi, are grappling with extensive damage, cut off roads, and disrupted essential services.
The incessant rainfall has caused widespread destruction:
Infrastructure Damage: Over 240 roads remain closed across the state, with Mandi alone accounting for 153. Power supply has been severely impacted, with 163 transformers non-functional, and 174 water supply schemes disrupted.
Property Loss: Hundreds of houses have been damaged or completely destroyed, displacing numerous families. The estimated financial losses due to the rains currently stand at approximately ₹692 crore (about $83 million USD).
Missing Persons and Injuries: At least 28 people are still reported missing, primarily in Mandi, and rescue operations are intensifying, utilizing drones and sniffer dogs in the search efforts. More than 100 people have also been injured.
Animal Casualties: The disaster has also claimed the lives of numerous cattle and livestock, further impacting rural livelihoods.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously issued a "red alert" for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in various districts and has now issued a "yellow" alert, warning of continued heavy rains in isolated places and a risk of low to moderate flash floods across seven districts for the next 24 hours. Mandi, Shimla, and Una districts have received significantly excess rainfall – 110%, 89%, and 86% above normal, respectively.
Relief and Rescue Efforts Intensify:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a high-level meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) on Monday, his second such meeting since assuming office. The focus was on strengthening disaster preparedness given the increasingly destructive monsoon patterns. The government is also planning to strengthen the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) with a proposed investment of ₹819 crore and will train 70,000 citizens in disaster response.
Relief and rescue operations are ongoing on a "war footing," with local administrations distributing food kits and essential supplies to affected families. Efforts are concentrated on restoring road connectivity, electricity, and water supply. BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut visited her flood-hit constituency of Mandi, underscoring the severity of the situation and pledging to apprise central government authorities to secure liberal assistance.
Experts, including Suresh Attri, chief scientific officer, have pointed to climate change as a significant factor behind the increased frequency of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in Himachal Pradesh. Rising temperatures are causing the atmosphere to hold more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall events. Unplanned construction activities, illegal muck dumping, and disruption of natural drainage systems are also cited as exacerbating the vulnerability of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
