Himachal Pradesh Faces Catastrophic Flash Floods Linked to Climate Change
Severe Flooding in Himachal Pradesh
Environmental advocates assert that the severe rainfall and subsequent landslides in Himachal Pradesh are clear indicators of climate change's adverse effects. Guman Singh, a prominent environmentalist and coordinator of the Himalaya Neeti Abhiyaan, emphasizes that the recent flash floods have wreaked havoc on communities and properties, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure.
According to Singh and fellow environmentalists, the anticipated retreat of western disturbances in April and May was delayed, leading to an overlap with the early monsoon season and resulting in heavy downpours.
The Pir Panjal mountain range, from Rohtang to Kangra, has been particularly hard-hit, with flash floods reported at elevations between six and eleven thousand feet. Singh remarked, 'This situation is a direct result of climate change. We must adapt by improving our infrastructure. The Himalayan communities need to be resilient, and the government should explore better infrastructure solutions to navigate these challenges.'
Impact of the Disaster
On July 1, 2025, a catastrophic event unfolded in the Seraj region, especially in the Thunag subdivision of Mandi district, leading to unprecedented destruction. Locals have described the multiple cloudbursts and flash floods as the worst disaster of the century.
Around 80,000 individuals have been affected, with hundreds rendered homeless. Initial assessments reveal that over 150 structures in Thunag bazaar have been obliterated, while more than 400 homes in the subdivision have suffered varying degrees of damage, as reported by environmentalists and government sources.
Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The disaster has severely impacted Thunag and surrounding areas, including Jarol, Deji Pakharair, and Pandavashila. So far, nine bodies have been recovered, with seven from Thunag bazaar, one from Jarol bazaar, and one from Pandavashila. Additionally, 17 individuals from Deji Pakharair and two from Pandavashila remain unaccounted for. The infrastructure in Thunag has been devastated, with all roads and bridges collapsing, isolating the region. The destruction of essential services has led to a critical ration crisis, and communication has been hampered due to mobile network failures.
Emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have commenced rescue operations. Two teams from both agencies are actively engaged in Thunag, Gohar, and Karsog, having evacuated 332 individuals, including 278 from Mandi.
Call for Government Action
The calamity in Thunag is not only causing immense loss of life and property but is also threatening the socio-economic fabric of the region. Guman Singh and other local leaders have urgently requested the government to conduct an aerial survey and assess the situation promptly.
The failure of mobile networks is complicating information gathering and forcing many residents to stay outdoors, worsening the ration crisis. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of further rainfall in the coming days, which could exacerbate the already dire situation. Amidst rising political tensions, a state minister was involved in an incident during a meeting, leading to an FIR being filed against him after he injured an NHAI official.