Heavy monsoon rains triggered multiple cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread damage. As of July 1, 2025, reports indicate that at least 5 people have died, 5 are injured, and between 9 and 16 remain missing. The severe weather has disrupted normal life, causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and roadways.
The cloudbursts, numbering as many as 11 in total, struck various parts of the Mandi district, including Gohar, Karsog, Dharampur, and Thunag. The intensity of the rainfall, with Mandi receiving 253.8 mm since Monday evening, led to flash floods and landslides, exacerbating the destruction. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that 406 roads are closed in the state, with 248 of those in Mandi district. Additionally, 994 transformers have been disrupted, leaving many areas without electricity.
Rescue operations are underway, with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police actively involved in searching for the missing and evacuating those stranded. Authorities have rescued 332 people, including 278 in Mandi, 51 in Hamirpur, and three in Chamba. Stranded tourists near the Jhalogi Tunnel have also been evacuated. Efforts are ongoing to provide relief and relocate affected families to safer areas.
The impact of the cloudbursts and flash floods has been devastating. Twenty-four houses, twelve cattle sheds, and one bridge have been damaged. Approximately 30 cattle have perished, and there are efforts to rescue nine people still stranded in Mandi district. In Karsog, the old market was swept away by flash floods, and vehicles were seen floating in the gushing water. The 16 MW Patikari hydro power project under Thunag subdivision was severely damaged by flash floods. The water level of Pandoh Dam reached 2,922 feet against the danger mark of 2,941 feet, prompting the release of over 1.5 lakh cusecs of water into the Beas River. This resulted in the inundation of the Pandoh market, necessitating the evacuation of residents.
The India Meteorological Department (MeT) has issued an 'orange' warning for heavy to very heavy rains, thunderstorms, and lightning in isolated places across several districts. A 'yellow' alert for heavy rains remains in place for most parts of the state until July 5. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid travel in landslide-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. The police have been directed to provide immediate relief to stranded people, evacuate them, ensure the safety of relief camps, regulate traffic, and monitor social media for rumors.
The cloudbursts and flash floods in Mandi have brought back memories of the devastating 2023 monsoon, which caused widespread destruction and claimed over 500 lives in Himachal Pradesh. The state government is working to provide assistance and support to those affected by the recent calamity, while also urging people to adhere to safety guidelines. Union Minister Jitendra Singh acknowledged the difficulty in predicting the magnitude of cloudbursts, despite having a robust weather forecast system in place. Efforts are underway to increase the number of automatic weather stations to improve the accuracy of forecasts and provide area-specific weather predictions.
