Shimla: Torrential monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Himachal Pradesh, claiming at least 37 lives and causing property damage estimated at over ₹400 crore, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, forecasting heavy rainfall through July 7, with a high risk of flash floods in the districts of Mandi, Chamba, Kullu, Shimla, and Kangra.
The relentless downpours have triggered widespread destruction, particularly in Mandi district, where 13 cloudbursts were reported in a single night. The SEOC reported that 246 roads, including 145 in Mandi, remain blocked, severely disrupting transportation. Additionally, 404 power transformers and 784 water supply schemes have been damaged, hampering essential services across the state. Over 150 homes, 106 cattle sheds, 31 vehicles, and 14 bridges have been destroyed, with 164 livestock lost in the deluge.
Rescue operations are underway, with 402 individuals, including 348 from Mandi, safely evacuated. The state has established five relief camps to provide shelter and support to those affected. DC Rana, Special Secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority, emphasized that the priority remains on search, rescue, and restoration efforts. “The recorded losses exceed ₹400 crore, but the actual damage is likely far greater,” Rana told .
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Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s media advisor, Naresh Chauhan, confirmed the grim toll, noting that 63 fatalities and 40 missing persons have been reported due to cloudbursts and other rain-related incidents. The state government is working around the clock to address the crisis, with emergency teams deployed to restore infrastructure and assist affected communities.
The IMD’s warning of continued heavy rainfall underscores the ongoing threat, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation advisories as the monsoon continues to batter the region.