Torrential rains and resulting flash floods have triggered widespread chaos in Himachal Pradesh, particularly affecting the Mandi and Kullu districts. Rescue operations are in full swing as authorities scramble to reach those stranded and provide relief to affected communities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts, warning of extremely heavy rainfall and potential for significant damage. An orange alert is in place for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Shimla, and Kullu districts, anticipating heavy to very heavy rainfall.
The heavy downpour has led to the closure of numerous roads, with approximately 240 roads blocked, including 176 in Mandi district alone. The disruption in transportation has severely hampered rescue and relief efforts, making it difficult to reach remote areas. In Kullu, a flash flood near the Snow Gallery has disrupted vehicular movement on the Manali-Keylong-Leh highway, with traffic being diverted through Rohtang Pass.
Mandi district has been particularly devastated, witnessing multiple incidents of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. As of early July 2025, these events have claimed over a dozen lives, with dozens still missing. The State Disaster Management Authority, along with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are conducting search and rescue operations. Sniffer dogs and advanced tools are being utilized to locate those who are still missing.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has stated that the government is prepared for any rain-related emergencies and has arranged for food and essential supplies to be delivered to inaccessible areas via mules. He also appealed to residents to offer accommodation to displaced families, with the state government pledging to pay Rs 5,000 per month as rent for these families.
The extensive damage includes houses, cattle sheds, roads, bridges, and water supply schemes. Approximately 258 transformers and 289 water supply schemes have been affected, disrupting essential services. The estimated losses so far are around Rs 541 crore, but Chief Minister Sukhu indicated that the actual losses could be closer to Rs 700 crore as assessments are still underway.
The Meteorological Department has warned of possible landslides, flash floods, waterlogging, and damage to vulnerable structures and crops. People are advised to stay away from water bodies and avoid vulnerable areas. The state government and disaster management authorities are working to restore connectivity, provide relief, and ensure the safety of residents in the flood-affected regions.
