Himachal Pradesh Floods Claim 98 Lives as Heavy Rain Forecast Continues

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with severe flooding, resulting in a reported 98 fatalities since June 20, 2025. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirmed that 57 of these deaths stemmed from rain-related disasters, including landslides and flash floods, while 41 individuals lost their lives in road accidents. As heavy rainfall persists, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for multiple districts, predicting continued rain for several days.

Mandi district has been the hardest hit, accounting for 21 rain-related deaths and 27 missing persons. The situation is dire, with a total of 208 roads blocked, including one vital national highway (NH-21 from Mandi to Kullu). Additionally, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reports that 139 Distribution Transformers (DTRs) have been disrupted, and 745 water supply schemes are affected due to the relentless rains.

The SDMA’s latest report highlights a variety of causes contributing to the fatalities. Among the rain-related incidents, 15 deaths were due to cloudbursts, 9 by drowning, and 8 in flash floods. Additionally, there were 4 deaths caused by snake bites, one each from a landslide and fire, and 19 others due to electrocution, falls, or other causes. No fatalities were linked to lightning strikes.

The road accident fatalities were highest in Kullu with seven deaths, followed by Chamba with six, and Shimla and Solan, each reporting four. Other districts such as Kangra, Bilaspur, Kinnaur, and Una also recorded casualties. In total, 178 individuals sustained injuries, while 34 remain unaccounted for. The heavy rains have also devastated livestock, resulting in 22,454 animal deaths.

Property damage is extensive, with 668 houses affected, 788 cowsheds destroyed, and 224 shops and factories suffering losses. The financial toll is staggering, with estimated losses reaching Rs 770 crore (approximately $93 million).

Ongoing Relief Efforts and Public Safety Measures

The SDMA and local administrations are actively engaged in relief and clearance operations. However, the ongoing rainfall poses significant challenges for accessibility and safety. Authorities have urged residents and travelers to remain vigilant, avoiding unnecessary travel to high-risk areas and adhering to official advisories.

“The monsoon continues to present a major challenge to the state’s disaster management machinery. Our teams are working 24/7 to restore normalcy and minimize further loss,” stated a senior SDMA official. With over 31 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts, and 18 landslides reported in just 24 days, officials stress the importance of avoiding vulnerable zones and staying informed through weather advisories. The public can contact the SEOC helpline at 1070 for emergencies.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for six districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days. Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, noted that moderate rainfall was recorded in several districts, including Shimla, Sirmaur, Kullu, and Mandi. Rajgarh in Sirmaur district received the highest rainfall, measuring 72 mm.

Sharma emphasized that for July 14 and 15, districts like Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur are under orange alert due to the forecast of heavy rain. Further, districts including Solan, Shimla, and Sirmaur are expected to experience very heavy rainfall, while Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kullu may see isolated heavy rain for which a yellow alert has been issued.

Seasonal Rainfall Trends and Future Outlook

According to Sharma, this monsoon season has seen rainfall levels 19% above normal. Notably, Shimla and Mandi districts have received nearly double their average rainfall, while Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti have experienced deficits compared to seasonal averages.

As of now, rainfall in July has been consistent with seasonal norms. Sharma added, “Flash flood advisories and safety guidelines are being issued in real-time based on meteorological inputs. Whenever there is a possibility of flash floods, we release advisories and alerts in coordination with the concerned authorities.”

Temperature trends reflect normal conditions, with a slight expected drop in the coming days due to ongoing rain activity. In Shimla, maximum temperatures reached 23.4°C, while regions around Bilaspur saw temperatures nearing 32°C. Morning temperatures are currently above normal but are likely to decrease with increased rainfall.

The IMD has urged residents and district authorities in alert zones to remain cautious and take necessary precautions in light of the ongoing and upcoming rain spells.