Monsoon Fury Claims 95 Lives in Himachal; Rs 752-cr Losses Reported
Relentless monsoon rains have unleashed a trail of destruction across Himachal Pradesh, claiming 95 lives since June 20, according to the latest report released by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). The toll includes 56 deaths caused by rain-induced calamities and 39 fatalities from road accidents, which have escalated due to treacherous driving conditions on the hill state's rain-battered roads.
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) confirmed the figures, citing incidents such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, electrocution, snakebites, drowning, and lightning strikes among the leading causes of weather-related deaths. Mandi district has emerged as the worst-hit, with 21 deaths attributed to natural disasters. Kangra follows closely with 14 casualties, primarily from flash floods and electrocution.
Other affected districts include Kullu (10 deaths), Chamba (9), Kinnaur (6), Bilaspur and Hamirpur (7 each), Solan, Una (6 each), Shimla (5), and Sirmaur and Lahaul-Spiti (2 each).
Beyond the human toll, the damage to infrastructure and livelihoods has been extensive. As of July 12 evening, 327 electric transformers remain non-functional, and 787 water supply schemes are disrupted. Preliminary estimates peg the damage at Rs 752 crore, comprising Rs 327.72 crore in private property loss and Rs 408.17 crore in damage to public infrastructure — including roads, bridges, schools, power supply, irrigation schemes, animal shelters, and farmland.
In response, the Himachal Government has mobilized resources on a war footing. District administrations, along with the NDRF, SDRF, and Indian Air Force, continue to carry out rescue and rehabilitation operations, including the deployment of heavy machinery in landslide-prone zones and establishment of relief camps.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced interim relief funds of Rs two crore for the most-affected assembly segments, and Rs 50 lakh for others to expedite emergency repairs. He appealed for urgent and non-partisan central assistance, asserting, “This is not the time for political rhetoric. We must rise above party lines and ensure relief reaches every affected citizen.”
The SDMA has advised residents to remain vigilant, avoid travel in high-risk areas near hills and riverbanks, and adhere to alerts, as rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days. Statewide early warning systems and rapid response units remain on high alert to mitigate further risk.
Former CM Jairam Thakur Narrowly Escapes Landslide During Relief Visit in Mandi
A major tragedy was narrowly averted on Sunday when former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur had a close brush with a sudden landslide while surveying flood and rain-affected areas in Seraj constituency, Mandi district.
The incident occurred near Shankar Dehra, as Thakur was returning on foot from Karsog to Thunag after distributing relief materials and assessing the extent of damage caused by relentless monsoon rains. Moments before his convoy could pass, large chunks of hillside gave way, sending rocks tumbling down the slope and blocking the road. The area was already deemed unstable due to ongoing rainfall.
Caught off-guard, Thakur and his team were seen running to safety as debris continued to fall — a dramatic moment that was caught on video and has since gone viral across social media platforms.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Thakur and his aides safely crossed the affected stretch on foot after officials cleared some debris and assessed safety.
Mandi district remains one of the worst-hit regions in the state, with dozens of roads blocked due to landslides and falling rocks. The incident underscored the growing risks faced by residents and officials alike in disaster-hit areas. Meanwhile, Thakur continued his tour of Seraj to monitor relief efforts and reassure affected communities.
