In the wake of devastating floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, the Government has formed central teams to assess the extent of the damage in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. These Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) will conduct on-the-spot assessments of the situation and review the relief work carried out by the respective State Governments. The teams are expected to visit the affected districts early next week.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted these teams in response to the havoc caused by heavy rainfall, floods, flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides in the aforementioned regions. Home Minister Amit Shah directed that the teams be formed to assess the damage and relief efforts. Each team will be led by a senior officer at the level of Joint Secretary from the MHA or the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The teams will also include senior officers from various ministries and departments, including Expenditure, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Jal Shakti, Power, Road Transport and Highways, and Rural Development.
The MHA has stated that it is in regular contact with senior officers of the affected States and the Union Territory, and has extended all necessary logistical assistance. This includes the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, Army personnel, and Air Force helicopters, which are aiding in search and rescue operations as well as the restoration of essential services.
State-wise Situation
Himachal Pradesh: The state has been severely affected by the ongoing monsoon season, with flash floods and landslides causing widespread destruction. More than 300 villagers were left stranded in Bada Bhangal after flash floods in the Ravi River basin swept away key infrastructure. As of August 30, 2025, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) data showed that over 320 people have died in rain-related incidents, and the state has suffered losses of over ₹3,040 crore. Over 500 roads, including three national highways, remain blocked due to landslides. The local Met office has issued warnings for more heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
Jammu & Kashmir: Heavy rainfall has triggered major landslides and flash floods, resulting in casualties and ব্যাপক damage to infrastructure. Over 200 people have been rescued in Kathua district. A landslide near the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra killed more than 30 pilgrims. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir to assess the damage. All government and private schools across the Jammu division remained closed on September 1, 2025, due to incessant rain and landslides.
Punjab: The state is dealing with its worst floods in nearly four decades, with over 1,000 villages affected. At least 24 lives have been lost, and standing crops in over 1.51 lakh acres remain submerged. The floods have caused huge financial losses due to crop damage and livestock deaths. The Ravi river is flowing above the danger level.
Uttarakhand: A cloudburst in the Uttarkashi district triggered flash floods, causing significant damage in several villages. At least five people have died, and many others are missing. Over 40-50 buildings were damaged or destroyed, and 163 roads were blocked by landslides. The government is working to restore power and connectivity.
Government Response
The central government has already released over ₹10,000 crore to 24 States in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and around ₹2,000 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to 12 states for immediate relief assistance. The deployment of central teams is a further step to assess the full extent of the damage and to ensure that adequate financial and logistical support is provided to the affected states. The assessments by the IMCTs will inform the allocation of additional financial resources to the affected regions.
