Flash Floods Kill 17 in Himachal, Cause ₹300 Crore Damage; Monsoon Wreaks Havoc in Uttarakhand Too

Seventeen people have died over the past week as relentless rains triggered flash floods and widespread destruction across Himachal Pradesh, causing infrastructural damage worth over ₹300 crore, state minister Jagat Singh Negi said on Saturday.

Speaking to ANI in Shimla, Negi said the flash floods, especially in Kullu and Dharamshala, have caused sudden and widespread devastation. “This time, the monsoon arrived very early. Seventeen people have died across districts due to rain-related incidents,” he stated.

Officials said that the flash flood that hit Kangra and Kullu on June 25 has claimed at least seven lives. The body of a minor girl, Murti Devi, was recovered near the riverbank in Bakshahal village of Kullu district.

The heavy downpour has severely impacted road connectivity, electricity, and water supply schemes across several districts. “In the last 24 hours, 37 roads were reported blocked and 47 distribution transformers were damaged, affecting power supply. Thankfully, no National Highway is closed, and restoration efforts are in full swing,” Negi added.

He noted that small bridges have also been washed away, worsening local connectivity. Preliminary estimates peg the total damage at over ₹300 crore.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Uttarakhand is also facing the monsoon’s fury. Heavy rainfall led to landslides and road blockages, forcing authorities to halt passenger movement along the Badrinath-Rishikesh highway on Saturday due to debris at Sirobgad.

Srinagar Pauri Garhwal District Circle Officer Anuj Kumar said police have been deployed on both sides of the highway, with restoration work underway on a war footing.

Chamoli Police also reported disruptions, saying in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “The Badrinath National Highway is blocked near Nandprayag and Bhanerpani. Work is underway to open the road.”