The death toll from the recent flash floods in Himachal Pradesh has climbed to 7, with the recovery of another body from Kullu district. The devastating floods, triggered by cloudbursts and heavy rainfall, have wreaked havoc across the state, particularly in the Kullu and Kangra districts.

In the Kangra district, six victims have been recovered from the Priyadarshini Hydroelectric Project at Manuni Khad in Khanyara, Dharamshala. Three workers from the hydro project are still missing, and search operations are underway by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to locate them. One rescued worker, Lovely, who had sought shelter in the forest, reported that there were 13 people in the camp, with five fleeing towards the hills and the rest swept away by the floodwaters.

Kullu district has also been severely affected, with three people missing after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in the Sainj valley. Rescue operations are ongoing in the area. Initial estimates place the total loss in Kullu district between Rs 50 lakh to Rs 60 lakh.

Across Himachal Pradesh, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) reported that between June 20 and June 27, a total of 33 people have died and 66 injured due to the southwest and pre-monsoon rains, with property damage, including private and public, worth Rs 29.16 crore. This figure includes casualties from road accidents, drownings, and other rain-related mishaps. The state government has disbursed Rs 1.25 crore as ex gratia relief to the families of the victims.

The recent spell of extreme weather has resulted in three incidents of cloudbursts, nine flash floods, and three landslides in the past 24 hours. Over 50 roads have been blocked, 135 electricity lines have been snapped, and 147 water supply lines have been disrupted.

Looking back to the monsoon season of 2024 (June 27 to October 2), Himachal Pradesh witnessed 70 fatalities and a financial loss of approximately Rs 1,363 crore. There were 54 reported incidents of cloudbursts and flash floods, leading to 65 deaths, with 33 individuals still missing. Additionally, 47 landslides occurred, resulting in five fatalities.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed all Deputy Commissioners to remain alert and available around the clock to manage the situation effectively. He has also instructed them to identify and relocate individuals and families, especially migrant laborers, living near rivers to safer locations.

An orange alert has been issued for Sunday, June 29, forecasting more rain and potential flash floods and landslides in Una, Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla, Sirmaur, Kangra, Chamba, Kullu, and Mandi districts. Tourists have been advised to avoid going near rivers and streams.