98 killed in Himachal Pradesh as monsoon rains wreak havoc

Himachal Pradesh is facing a very difficult monsoon season this year. From June 20 to July 13, 2025, a total of 98 people have lost their lives due to heavy rains, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Out of these, 57 people died in disasters like landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts. The other 41 deaths were caused by road accidents, which became more common due to the dangerous weather conditions.

The worst-hit area is Mandi district, which recorded 21 deaths related to rain disasters. The district also reported 27 people missing and large-scale damage to homes and public property.

According to the latest report released at 10 AM on Monday, the damage caused by the rains is not limited to just human lives. There has also been serious damage to infrastructure. Around 208 roads across the state are blocked, including the national highway NH-21 that connects Mandi to Kullu. Also, 139 power distribution transformers have been damaged, affecting electricity in many areas. In addition, 745 water supply systems have been affected, making it hard for many to access clean drinking water.

The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) confirmed that cloudbursts caused 15 deaths, drowning led to 9 deaths, and flash floods killed 8 people. There were also 4 snake bite deaths, 1 death due to a landslide, 1 in a fire, and 19 deaths from electrocution, falls, and other reasons. Thankfully, no lightning-related deaths were reported.

Widespread loss and rescue efforts

In addition to the 98 deaths, 178 people have been injured in rain-related incidents. Moreover, 34 people are still missing, and search operations are ongoing. The continuous rain is making rescue and relief operations more difficult for the authorities.

Livestock has also suffered greatly. A total of 22,454 animals have died during this time. Property damage is widespread too. A total of 668 houses have either been fully or partially damaged. In addition, 788 cow sheds and 224 shops or factories have been affected. The total monetary loss so far is estimated to be around ₹770 crore.

Road accidents have also taken many lives. Kullu district reported the highest number of road accident deaths (7), followed by Chamba (6), Shimla and Solan (4 each). Other districts including Mandi, Kangra, Bilaspur, Kinnaur, and Una also reported casualties due to slippery and damaged roads.

ALSO READ: Himachal CM Sukhu urges speedy rehabilitation in flood-hit Mandi

ALSO READ: Himachal Pradesh rain: IMD issues yellow alert, 7 districts at risk of flash floods

The SDMA and district teams are working around the clock to bring things under control. Relief work is in progress and efforts are being made to clear blocked roads and restore basic services like electricity and water. But due to continued rainfall, the work is facing many challenges.

A senior SDMA official said, “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.”

From June 20 to July 13, the state reported 31 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts, and 18 major landslides. These natural events have created panic and fear among locals and travelers. Officials have warned people to avoid traveling to landslide-prone or flood-prone areas. People have been asked to follow weather warnings and official advisories.

Authorities have also reminded residents to contact the SEOC helpline number 1070 in case of any emergency.

The Himachal government is trying its best to manage the situation, but the weather remains unpredictable. People are being urged to stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and cooperate with disaster relief teams.