Rains continue to batter Himachal; cloudbursts, flash floods create havoc

Torrential monsoon rains have claimed five lives in Himachal Pradesh. The State continues to be battered by cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, which have disrupted normal life over the past 24 hours.

As many as 16 incidents of cloud burst, three flash floods, and one major landslide have occurred across the state. Five people were killed, and five others sustained injuries. At least 16 people are missing in Mandi district alone, which has been among the worst hit, according to a government report.

The relentless monsoon that hit Himachal Pradesh on June 20 has brought the hill state to its knees as several rivers and rivulets are in spate. At least 17 people have died since June 20 in rain-related incidents, which include flash floods, drowning, and electrocution, as per the State’s Emergency Operation Center.

Damage to property

The Mandi, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kinnaur, Kullu, and Shimla districts have been badly affected. Considerable damage to life and property has been reported from these places. The rains have damaged several roads, including national and state highways, bridges, vehicles, and various kinds of buildings, causing losses worth crores of rupees.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Tuesday (July 1, 2025) that there has been a loss of life and property due to overnight rain and cloudbursts in Karsog, Dharmpur, Mandi Sadar, Nachan, and Saraj, which is extremely painful and concerning.

“I am in constant contact with the district administration, continuously reviewing relief and rescue operations to ensure that prompt and effective assistance reaches those in need. I humbly request the people of the state to closely follow guidelines issued by the administration,” he said.

In neighbouring Punjab and Haryana, several districts received widespread heavy rainfall, even as the joint capital Chandigarh, also witnessed a heavy downpour.