Severe Rainfall in Himachal Pradesh Causes Widespread Damage and Loss of Life

Tragic Impact of Continuous Rainfall

In Himachal Pradesh, relentless rainfall has resulted in the tragic loss of 63 lives, with 40 individuals reported missing. The estimated damage to property has reached ₹400 crores. According to data released by a local news outlet, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rainfall alert extending until July 7, warning of persistent heavy rain in the mountainous region. The Thunag sub-division in Mandi district has been particularly hard-hit, with blocked roads and disruptions to essential services such as electricity and water supply.

Significant Financial Losses Due to Rain

D.C. Rana, the special secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Department, stated, "We have recorded losses exceeding ₹400 crores so far, but the actual figures could be much higher. Our primary focus is currently on search, rescue, and recovery efforts." Naresh Chauhan, media advisor to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, confirmed that 63 fatalities have occurred due to cloudbursts and related disasters, with 40 individuals still unaccounted for. The calamities have resulted in damage to over 150 homes, 106 livestock sheds, 31 vehicles, 14 bridges, and numerous roads. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) reported that 164 livestock have perished, while 402 individuals have been rescued, including 348 from Mandi, with five relief camps established.

Missing Persons in Mandi District

In Mandi alone, 40 people are reported missing. Officials indicated that the death toll from cloudbursts and sudden flooding incidents in the area has reached 14. Relief camps have been set up, and food packets are being air-dropped by the Indian Air Force in the affected regions.

Orange Alert Issued for Several Districts

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur on July 5, and for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Chamba, and Mandi on July 6, indicating a high risk of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. A yellow alert has also been issued for other parts of the state. The department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in various locations, increasing the risk of flooding, landslides, and road blockages, particularly in areas already affected by flooding.

Mandi District Faces Severe Challenges

Mandi district is experiencing the brunt of the disaster, with homes and infrastructure devastated by floods and landslides. Eleven fatalities have been confirmed, and 34 individuals remain missing. Roads are blocked, and essential services such as electricity and water supply are severely disrupted. Relief teams from the NDRF, SDRF, local administration, and police are actively engaged in search and rescue operations, with assistance in delivering food and supplies to cut-off villages via air.

Widespread Disruptions and Damage

Across the state, approximately 250 roads are closed, over 500 electricity distribution transformers are non-functional, and nearly 700 drinking water schemes have been affected. In the capital, Shimla, schools have been flooded, leading to class cancellations and distress among students and parents. The collapse of a section of a four-lane road in Shimla and the destruction of a house in Mandi have added to the growing list of damages.

Climate Change Intensifies the Threat

Officials have highlighted the role of changing climate patterns and global warming in exacerbating the monsoon's impact on Himachal Pradesh. D.C. Rana urged for enhanced preparedness for future disasters, stating, "These extreme weather events are a direct result of global warming."