HP Battles Devastating Rains: Over 37 Lives Lost, Widespread Destruction Reported As IMD Issues Orange Alert

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with relentless rainfall that has already claimed more than 37 lives and caused extensive damage across the hill state.

Rs 400 Crore Loss

The state has already suffered an estimated loss of Rs 400 due to widespread destruction, according to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, Hindustan Times reported.

The hill state has also witnessed 37 deaths due to rain-related incidents, while an additional 26 deaths have been reported due to road accidents during this period.

Mandi district has emerged as the worst-affected region, especially the Thunag subdivision, where roads have been rendered impassable and essential services, including electricity and water supply have been severely hit.

Speaking to media, DC Rana, Special Secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Department, stated, "We have recorded over ₹400 crore in losses so far, as entered in our system. But the actual damage is likely to be much higher. Our primary focus at the moment is on search, rescue, and restoration."

Notably, 40 people are reported missing in Mandi as relief efforts are underway with the Indian Air Force air-dropping food packets in inaccessible areas. "A village in Mandi has been devastated," Rana stated, adding that "Senior officials are stationed in the area, with engineers from the PWD, Electricity Board, and Jal Shakti Department overseeing restoration efforts."

DC Rana added, "These events are a consequence of global warming and climate change. Himachal is not untouched by these impacts."

IMD Issues Orange Alert

The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain warning for several districts including Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi on July 6 and 7. Since the arrival of the monsoon, rainfall has been significantly above normal levels - 55% higher than average, with cloudbursts and heavy downpours reported across the region.

Mandi district has witnessed an unprecedented 456% excess rainfall. Normally, Mandi records 58.3 mm of rain between June 26 and July 3, but this year the area received 324.4 mm during this period, with nearly 75% of the rain falling between midnight Monday and Tuesday morning.

Shimla has similarly seen 399% more rainfall than usual. The district, which typically receives 34.6 mm of rain during this period, has recorded 172.8 mm this time. Solan district has also been hit hard, receiving 280% more rainfall than the average.

With the weather showing no signs of immediate improvement, the focus remains on relief, restoration, and safeguarding lives as Himachal Pradesh battles one of its worst monsoon disasters in recent years.