Monsoon Havoc in Himachal: 105 Dead, 192 Roads Closed, Damages Exceed ₹786 Crore

Shimla, July 14 – This year’s monsoon has brought widespread destruction across Himachal Pradesh, with torrential rains and related disasters claiming 105 lives, leaving 35 missing and 184 injured so far. The extent of damage has forced the state government to estimate losses amounting to over ₹786 crore.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that relief is unlikely anytime soon. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue until July 20, with Orange and Yellow alerts issued across several districts for different days.

According to IMD Shimla, Orange Alerts have been issued for Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur districts on July 15, warning of very heavy rainfall. On the same day, Yellow Alerts are in place for Bilaspur, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi. Further alerts have been issued for Una, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, and Shimla on July 16, and for Una, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Sirmaur on July 17. Heavy rain is also forecasted for Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu on July 18. The department has made it clear that persistent rainfall until July 20 could continue to disrupt daily life.

On Monday, steady rainfall continued across many areas including Shimla. The highest rainfall was recorded in Rajgarh (72 mm), followed by Khadarala (42 mm), Pachhad (36 mm), and Mandi town (26 mm). Following a rise in water levels, the gates of the Giri Jaiton Dam were opened, raising the level of the Giri and Yamuna rivers. The Sirmaur district administration has issued alerts for downstream areas.

Landslides have severely impacted transport and basic infrastructure. As per the State Emergency Operations Centre, 192 roads remain blocked across Himachal as of Monday evening. 65 power transformers and 745 drinking water schemes have been rendered non-operational. Mandi district is the worst-hit, with 146 roads closed, 59 transformers out of service, and 133 water supply schemes affected. Kangra is also struggling, with 612 water schemes disrupted.

Monsoon Death Toll and Infrastructure Loss

The death toll by district stands at:

• Mandi: 21 deaths

• Kangra: 17

• Kullu: 11

• Chamba: 9

• Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una: 8 each

Additionally, the monsoon has damaged 1,046 homes, 188 shops, and 798 cattle sheds. In Mandi alone, 856 houses, 166 shops, and 644 cowsheds have been affected. On the night of June 30, Mandi witnessed 12 cloudburst incidents, further compounding the devastation. Prior to this, floods in Kangra and Kullu caused significant destruction.

Agricultural and Livestock Losses

The disasters haven’t just taken lives—they’ve dealt a blow to agriculture and livestock. So far, 21,500 poultry birds and 954 other animals have died. Since the start of the monsoon, Himachal has recorded:

• 22 cloudburst events

• 31 flash floods

• 18 major landslides

Department-Wise Financial Damage

• Jal Shakti (Irrigation and Public Health): approx. ₹414 crore loss

• Public Works Department: approx. ₹345 crore loss

The government continues to assess the situation as emergency response teams work around the clock to clear roads, restore utilities, and assist affected communities. With more rain forecasted, the state remains on high alert.