Deadly Monsoon Rages in Himachal Pradesh: 51 Killed, 22 Missing in Floods and Landslides
Shimla: Torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides have claimed 51 lives and left 22 people missing in Himachal Pradesh, as the monsoon season unleashes widespread destruction, according to official reports.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), part of the Himachal Pradesh Department of Revenue, issued a detailed damage report on July 2, covering June 20 to July 1. The data highlights severe losses to human lives, property, livestock, and public infrastructure across all 12 districts of the state.
The SEOC report notes, “So far, 51 fatalities have been recorded due to flash floods, drownings, landslides, lightning, and road accidents. Additionally, 22 individuals remain unaccounted for, with Mandi district hit hardest, reporting 10 deaths and all 22 missing persons, largely due to flash floods and cloudbursts.”
Injuries have also mounted, with 103 people hurt in monsoon-related incidents. Property damage includes 204 homes, of which 22 were completely destroyed, alongside 84 shops, cow sheds, and labor huts, with private property losses estimated at Rs 88.03 lakh.
Public infrastructure has borne the brunt of the devastation, with damages totaling Rs 283.39 crore. The Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Vibhag, and power sector have been severely impacted, alongside losses in health, education, rural and urban development, fisheries, and animal husbandry sectors.
“All districts are on high alert, with ongoing rescue, relief, and restoration efforts,” an SEOC spokesperson said, noting that damage estimates may rise as field reports continue to come in.
Kangra reported the highest death toll at 13, followed by Mandi and Chamba with six each, and Kullu with four. Other districts, including Kinnaur, Shimla, and Una, recorded two to four deaths, while Sirmaur and Solan saw fewer casualties. On July 1 alone, seven deaths were reported, including three in Kullu and two in Chamba due to road accidents.
The agricultural sector has also suffered, with 84 cattle and other livestock lost, adding to the woes of rural communities reliant on farming and dairying.
According to SEOC’s monthly data, June was particularly deadly, with 132 deaths and 270 injuries statewide, alongside 830 livestock deaths. The state government has activated emergency protocols, maintaining a 24/7 SEOC control room and a public helpline (1070) for reporting emergencies. As the monsoon continues, disaster management teams are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts across districts.