Himachal Pradesh Devastated by Relentless Rain; Over 37 Dead, ₹400 Crore in Damages

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with the aftermath of incessant rainfall that has claimed more than 37 lives and caused extensive destruction across the state.

The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported that over ₹400 crore worth of property has been damaged, with the toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a continued rain alert for the state until July 7, warning of more heavy showers in the coming days.

Mandi Worst-Hit

Mandi district, particularly the Thunag subdivision, has emerged as the worst-affected area. Roads remain impassable, and vital services—electricity, water supply, and communications—have been severely disrupted. In a press briefing on Wednesday, DC Rana, Special Secretary at the SDMA and Revenue Department, stated:

“We have recorded over ₹400 crore in losses so far, as entered in our system. But the actual damage is likely to be much higher. Our primary focus at the moment is on search, rescue, and restoration.”

At least 40 people are reported missing in Mandi alone. The Indian Air Force has been air-dropping food packets to remote villages, with relief camps set up to house those displaced. Rana confirmed that “a village in Mandi has been devastated,” and added that senior officials and engineers from the PWD, Electricity Board, and Jal Shakti Department are leading restoration work on the ground.

Widespread Impact

Statewide, rain-related incidents have led to 37 deaths, while another 26 people have died in road accidents during the same period. Over 250 roads are blocked, more than 500 electricity transformers are non-functional, and around 700 drinking water schemes have been impacted.

DC Rana also drew attention to the broader environmental concerns:

“These events are a consequence of global warming and climate change. Himachal is not untouched by these impacts.”

Shimla Schools Affected

In Shimla, constant downpours have thrown normal life out of gear. Schools are waterlogged, and students are struggling to cope.
Tanuja Thakur, a student from Shimla, told ANI:

“It’s raining heavily. Water is entering our classrooms, our clothes and books are soaked. Our teachers are telling us it’s better to stay at home.”
She added, “Our school is surrounded by trees. There is always a fear that a tree could fall. Thankfully, we are safe for now.”

Rescue Efforts Intensify

Search and rescue operations are being carried out by a joint team of local authorities, police, Home Guards, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and central agencies including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Authorities remain on high alert as forecasts indicate continued rainfall, compounding fears of further damage and displacement.