69 dead, 37 missing as flash floods, landslides ravage Himachal amid heavy rain

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From the hills of Shimla to the valleys of Mandi and Sirmaur, the state has witnessed record-breaking downpours in the past 24 hours, with alerts now in place for further intense weather through July 9.

Himachal Pradesh rain

Swollen Beas river following heavy rainfall, in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. (Photo: PTI)

Shimla,UPDATED: Jul 4, 2025 13:28 IST

The monsoon season has unleashed severe weather across Himachal Pradesh, with torrential rains triggering flash floods, landslides, and widespread destruction in multiple districts.

From the hills of Shimla to the valleys of Mandi and Sirmaur, the state has witnessed record-breaking rainfall over the past 24 hours. Authorities have issued alerts for continued intense weather through July 9.

Between June 20 and July 3, at least 69 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, including landslides and flash floods. The state’s infrastructure has taken a major hit, with numerous roads blocked and water supply systems badly disrupted.

The unrelenting downpour has left a trail of devastation, altering the landscape and displacing thousands, many of whom are now struggling without access to basic necessities.

Here's a quick rundown of the situation in Himachal Pradesh:

Himachal Pradesh is witnessing heavy rainfall during the ongoing monsoon. In the last 24 hours, the highest rainfall of 133.3 mm was recorded in Pachhad, 92 mm in Barsar, about 60 mm in Ghanahatti, 55 mm in Una and Baijnath. The period of heavy rain will continue in the state till July 9.
An orange alert has been issued in Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, while heavy rain is also expected in Hamirpur, Mandi, and Kangra. There is an alert of heavy rain in other parts except Kinnaur, Lahaul Spiti on July 6 and 7.
Mandi district has recorded the highest rainfall in recent days and faces severe devastation: 14 deaths, 31 people missing, and damage to over 150 homes, 106 cattle sheds, and 14 bridges. More than 246 roads, especially in Mandi, are blocked.
On June 30, a sudden flash flood hit Thunag and surrounding villages like Deji, Lam, and Jurh. Over 200 structures were destroyed. Roads, electricity, water, and mobile networks remain cut off. Locals continue clearing debris as rescue teams struggle to reach due to terrain and weather.
As per the latest data, 69 people lost their lives, and 110 people were injured in rain-related incidents between June 20 and July 3. 37 people are reported missing.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration are conducting search and rescue operations in Mandi, Gohar, Karsog, and Thunag. 246 ration kits have been air-dropped, and relief camps set up, though connectivity and access remain major challenges.
Efforts to reach affected areas are hampered by blocked roads and treacherous conditions. The trek to Thunag, for example, involves a three-hour journey on foot, with the midpoint marked by a helipad where government aid is sporadically air-dropped.
A five-storey building collapse near Shimla has triggered an official probe into the adjoining Kaithlighat-Dhalli four-lane road project. A panel, headed by additional district magistrate (law and order), will investigate the reasons behind the building collapse and submit a report, Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said on Thursday.
Actor and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut called the devastation 'hearbreaking' and wrote on X, "It is heartbreaking to see massive flood devastation in Himachal almost every year now. I tried reaching flood-affected areas in Seraj and Mandi, but was advised by respected leader of the opposition, Jairam Thakur to wait until connectivity is restored. Red alert is issued by Mandi DC today as well. Awaiting authorities' approval, will be there soonest possible. Thanks."
The floods and landslides have affected 784 water supply schemes and 404 transformers. Ten cloudbursts, three flash floods, and one major landslide occurred in Mandi alone. Over 164 cattle have perished. In Una, 10,000 chickens drowned in a flooded poultry farm.