Monsoon Devastation in Himachal: Losses Top ₹4,079 Crore; Hundreds Dead, Roads & Services Severely Hit

Shimla, Sep 7: Heavy rains between June 20 and September 7 triggered cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides across Himachal Pradesh. State authorities estimate total damage at ₹4,079 crore. The State Emergency Operation Centre reports 366 deaths linked to rain-related incidents and road accidents, widespread infrastructure damage, blocked roads and disrupted utilities.

Human Toll and Missing Persons

Officials say 366 people lost their lives in rain-related events and road mishaps. Of these, 203 deaths were directly linked to weather incidents (including landslides, cloudbursts and flash floods) while 163 were due to accidents on rain-hit roads. Another 41 people remain missing as rescue teams continue search operations in affected districts.

Widespread Infrastructure Damage

The monsoon fury has battered homes, commerce and lifeline services: 6,025 houses and 455 shops/factories were reported as either partially or fully damaged. Road networks suffered heavily — authorities recorded 869 roads blocked, which includes closures on three national highways (NH-3, NH-5 and NH-305). Transport disruptions are adding to the distress of farmers and traders, especially in the apple belt where produce is stranded due to landslides.

Power & Water Systems Hit

Electricity and drinking water infrastructure have been seriously affected. Officials reported disruption of 1,572 power transformers and damage to 389 water supply schemes. Regions such as Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Chamba recorded the highest concentration of blocked roads and service interruptions.

Scale of Geohazard Events

Since the monsoon onset on June 20, the state witnessed 135 major landslides, 95 flash floods and 45 cloudbursts, showing an alarming rise in the frequency and intensity of slope failures and flood events across the hilly terrain. The Government has confirmed that rescue and clearance teams are working round the clock but continuing rain and unstable slopes are complicating operations.

Impact on Pilgrimage & Tourism

The adverse weather also affected pilgrimage circuits: rescue teams called off some localized search missions after conditions improved, but several yatras and tourist routes remain disrupted. Authorities appealed to pilgrims and tourists to avoid travel to high-risk routes until roads are cleared and safety is confirmed.

Voices from the Ground

“We were transporting apples to market when road closures stranded our trucks. Growers are losing produce daily,” said Bhur Sen from Rohru, highlighting the economic pain of transport blockages in the apple belt. Local officials in several districts reiterated the urgent need for immediate relief distribution, alternate supply routes and temporary shelters for displaced families.

Official Response & Relief Measures

State and district administrations have mobilized search-and-rescue teams, deployed machinery for clearance of national and state highways, and set up relief camps. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) is coordinating response efforts, while district collectors and disaster management teams continue damage assessment and relief distribution. Agencies such as the NDRF/SDRF have been engaged where needed.

Experts Warn of Long-Term Risks

Climate and geohazard experts warn that repeated cloudbursts and unseasonal heavy rains strain fragile Himalayan slopes and silt up river channels, thereby increasing flood risk and reducing carrying capacity. Calls are growing for ecological-sensitive restoration — dredging of rivers where necessary, landslide mitigation works, better watershed management and stricter enforcement against encroachments in flood plains.

What Comes Next?

Authorities said the damage figure of ₹4,079 crore is preliminary and that detailed, district-wise assessments are still underway. Priorities currently include reopening major transport links, restoring power and water supplies, distributing relief kits, arranging temporary shelters, and launching targeted rehabilitation for the most affected communities.

Source: Daily Excelsior / PTI (Read original report)

Labels: Himachal Pradesh, Monsoon Damage, Landslides, Floods, Disaster Relief 2025

Tags: #Himachal #Monsoon2025 #Landslides #Floods #DisasterRelief

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