The state of Himachal Pradesh is grappling with severe monsoon conditions, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. Recent flash floods in Mandi, triggered by cloudbursts and incessant heavy rainfall, have claimed the lives of at least three members of a family. This latest tragedy has pushed the monsoon death toll in the state to a staggering 170.
The incident occurred in Mandi town, where a sudden and intense downpour caused the Sukati nullah to overflow, inundating several areas, including Jail Road, Saini Mohalla, and the Zonal Hospital area. The flash flood swept away vehicles, damaged homes, and left residents stranded. According to reports, the family was attempting to move their vehicle to a safer location when they were caught in the deluge. While two bodies were recovered, one person remains missing, and another sustained injuries.
Rescue and relief operations are underway, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local volunteers, and the district administration working to clear debris and locate the missing individual. Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorva Devgan, stated that over a dozen people trapped inside their houses have been rescued, some requiring teams to break windows and doors to reach them.
The flash floods have also caused significant damage to infrastructure, blocking major highways, including the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, Chandigarh-Dharamsala, Mandi-Pathankot, and Shimla-Mataur highways. Landslides triggered by the heavy rain have further disrupted traffic and communication, with over 266 roads across the state currently blocked. National Highway-21 between Mandi and Kullu, NH-154 between Mandi and Jogindernagar, and National Highway 03 between Mandi and Kotli are all closed to traffic.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in ten districts of the state, excluding Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, and has warned of continued heavy rain until August 4. This has prompted authorities to advise the public to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities. Schools, colleges, and anganwadi centres in the affected regions have been closed.
The ongoing monsoon season has been particularly devastating for Himachal Pradesh. Since June 20, the state has witnessed 42 flash floods, 25 cloudbursts, and 32 landslides, resulting in widespread damage to roads, houses, and infrastructure. The total death toll in the state during this period has reached 164, with 90 deaths attributed to rain-related incidents and 74 to road accidents. Mandi district has recorded the highest number of fatalities (32), followed by Kangra (24) and Chamba (17). Over 251 houses have been fully damaged, while 1,165 houses have suffered partial damage due to rain and floods. The economic losses are estimated to be over Rs 1,52,311 lakh.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) continues to monitor the situation and is working to provide relief and assistance to the affected population. The administration has established relief camps and is working to restore essential services such as power supply and water systems, which have been severely disrupted. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also formed a committee to assess the causes of these recurring weather events and suggest mitigation measures.
