Himachal Reels Under Monsoon Onslaught, Hills and Hopes Crumble

The ongoing floods in Himachal Pradesh, triggered by relentless monsoon rains and multiple cloudbursts since June 25, 2025, have grown into one of the most devastating natural disasters the state has witnessed in recent years. With entire villages cut off, bridges washed away, and dozens of lives lost or missing, the scale of destruction is harrowing, and it's still unfolding.

At least 51 people have lost their lives and 22 remain missing in Himachal Pradesh as relentless torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides continue to cause widespread devastation across the state during the ongoing monsoon season, according to the latest official figures.

The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), under the Department of Revenue, Government of Himachal Pradesh, issued a cumulative damage assessment report on July 2, detailing the destruction caused between June 20 and July 1. The report highlights extensive losses to human lives, private properties, livestock, and public infrastructure across all 12 districts of the state.

"A total of 51 fatalities have been reported so far due to various causes, including flash floods, drowning, landslides, lightning strikes, and road accidents," the SEOC stated in its report. It added that 22 people are currently missing, with Mandi district being the worst affected, reporting 10 deaths and all 34 missing persons, primarily as a result of flash floods and cloudbursts.

The report further noted that 103 people have sustained injuries in various monsoon-related incidents. It also highlighted widespread damage to property and public infrastructure across the state.

The state has reported damage to 204 houses, including 22 that were destroyed, both pucca and kaccha structures. In addition, 84 shops, cowsheds, and labour huts have been impacted. The estimated loss to private property stands at ₹88.03 lakh.

However, the damage to public infrastructure is significantly more severe, with losses amounting to a staggering ₹283.39 crore (₹28,339.81 lakh). The worst-affected sectors include the Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV), and the power sector.

Losses have also been reported across several other departments, including health, education, rural and urban development, fisheries, and animal husbandry.

“These figures are cumulative and may change as field reports continue to come in. All district authorities remain on high alert and are actively engaged in rescue, relief, and restoration operations,” the SEOC spokesperson added.

Among the districts, Kangra has reported the highest number of fatalities with 13 deaths, followed by Mandi and Chamba with six each, and Kullu with four. The districts of Kinnaur, Shimla, and Una recorded between two to four deaths, while Sirmaur and Solan reported fewer casualties.

On July 1 alone, the state recorded seven new fatalities, one each in Bilaspur and Mandi, three in Kullu due to a road accident, and two in Chamba, also attributed to road accidents.

The SEOC report further revealed that 84 cattle and other livestock have died in the ongoing calamity, adding to the hardship faced by rural families who rely heavily on agriculture and dairying for their livelihood.

According to the SEOC’s month-wise compilation, the month of June recorded the highest human toll so far this year, with 132 deaths and 270 injuries. Livestock losses were also substantial, with 830 animal deaths reported during the same period.

The Himachal Pradesh government has activated full emergency protocols and is operating a 24x7 control room at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). A public helpline (1070) has been made available for citizens to report emergencies and seek assistance.

As the monsoon continues, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) is closely monitoring the evolving situation and coordinating with district administrations to ensure timely relief, rescue, and response operations.

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