Himachal Pradesh is facing a severe crisis as the monsoon season has brought unprecedented destruction and a tragic loss of life. As of September 7, 2025, the death toll has reached 366, including fatalities from rain-related incidents and road accidents. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reports that 203 people have died in rain-related events, such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, while 163 lives were lost in road accidents. In addition to the lives lost, 41 people are still missing.
The relentless monsoon rains, which began around June 20, 2025, have triggered widespread devastation across all 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh. Landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts have ravaged the state, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and essential services. Approximately 6,025 houses have been either fully or partially damaged. The disruption of essential services, including electricity, water, and telecommunications, has further exacerbated the challenges faced by residents.
The economic impact of the disaster is staggering. The state has suffered losses to the tune of ₹4,079 crore (over 40 billion INR) since the onset of the monsoon. This includes damage to public works department (PWD) infrastructure, water supply systems (Jal Shakti Vibhag), and power distribution networks. The Public Works Department has suffered losses of ₹2,743 crore, the Jal Shakti Department ₹2,518 crore, and the Energy Department ₹139 crore. Private property losses, including damaged houses, cowsheds, and commercial structures, are also substantial. Agriculture and horticulture have also faced significant setbacks, with crops and orchards suffering extensive damage.
In response to the crisis, the Himachal Pradesh government has declared the entire state as "disaster-affected" under Section 34 of the National Disaster Management Act. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has affirmed the government's commitment to providing relief and support to all affected families, even if it requires cutting down on other expenditures. The government is also working to secure permission from the Union government to allot forest land to landless families who have lost their homes and agricultural land.
Rescue and relief operations are underway, with a focus on restoring connectivity, power, and drinking water supply. However, incessant rain has hampered restoration work, particularly in remote and high-altitude areas. Several roads, including National Highways, remain blocked due to landslides and mudslides. As of September 6, 2025, 869 roads, including three national highways, were blocked for traffic. Additionally, 1,572 power transformers and 389 water supply schemes were disrupted. Tripura has pledged ₹5 crore to Himachal Pradesh for flood relief.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rainfall in the state until September 12, 2025, offering some respite from the heavy downpours. While the reduced intensity of rainfall has brought some relief and accelerated disaster relief operations, the task of rebuilding and restoring normalcy remains a significant challenge.
