Heavy monsoon rains have unleashed devastation across Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with reports of landslides, flash floods, and road collapses claiming at least 78 lives in Himachal Pradesh so far. Authorities in Uttarakhand have issued multiple landslide and flood alerts as incessant rainfall continues to lash the hill states for the fourth consecutive day, severely impacting daily life, infrastructure, and tourism.
Key Highlights
- 78 confirmed dead in Himachal Pradesh, with major casualties reported in Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, and Solan districts.
- Landslide warnings issued in 9 districts of Uttarakhand including Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi.
- National Highways blocked, state highways damaged, and interior village roads cut off.
- Schools and colleges ordered closed in several districts.
- The IMD predicts continued heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region for the next three days.
Himachal Pradesh: Heavy Toll And Unrelenting Rains
Officials of the State Disaster Management Authority confirmed that the death toll has climbed to 78 as of Monday morning, including individuals buried under landslides, washed away in flash floods, or killed in collapsed houses. Over 150 roads remain blocked, cutting off access to interior villages and pilgrimage routes.
District-wise Casualties
| District | Deaths Reported | Major Incidents |
|---|---|---|
| Mandi | 21 | Landslides at Balh Valley and Pandoh; multiple house collapses |
| Kullu | 15 | Flash floods in Parvati Valley, Manikaran area |
| Shimla | 12 | Landslides in Summer Hill, Krishna Nagar bury houses |
| Solan | 10 | Cloudburst at Kandaghat leads to flooding |
| Kangra | 9 | Flash floods in Dharamshala suburbs |
| Chamba | 6 | Road cave-ins, swollen Ravi river |
| Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Hamirpur | 5 | Scattered deaths due to landslides |
Massive Infrastructure Damage
The incessant rains have triggered:
- Over 350 landslides since last week.
- Damage to 2000+ houses (partial or full) across districts.
- Destruction of bridges in Mandi and Kullu, isolating villages.
- Collapse of electricity poles, leading to widespread outages.
The Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) reported estimated damages crossing ₹6000 crore, a figure expected to rise as assessments continue.
Rescue And Relief Efforts
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called the situation ‘unprecedented’ and appealed for central assistance to rebuild crucial infrastructure.
Sukhu stated:
“The state machinery is fully mobilised with NDRF, SDRF, Army, and police working tirelessly. Evacuations are underway from high-risk villages.”
Emergency shelters have been set up in schools and panchayat halls for displaced families. Helicopter sorties are on standby to evacuate those stranded in inaccessible villages, weather permitting.
Uttarakhand: High Alert For Landslides And Floods
The neighbouring state of Uttarakhand remains on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts very heavy rainfall exceeding 150 mm in isolated areas over the next two days. The Disaster Management Department issued landslide warnings for nine hill districts, particularly areas along the Char Dham Yatra route.
Districts Under Alert
- Chamoli and Rudraprayag: Rain-triggered landslides blocked stretches of Badrinath and Kedarnath highways.
- Pithoragarh: Risk of landslides along the Dharchula and Munsiyari routes, disrupting Indo-Nepal trade movement.
- Uttarkashi: Heavy rains swell Bhagirathi river, damaging riverbank roads.
- Tehri and Dehradun: Minor landslides reported; schools closed as precaution.
Impact On Pilgrimage And Tourism
The ongoing Char Dham Yatra has been suspended in segments due to blocked highways and landslide risks, leaving thousands of pilgrims stranded at base camps. The Uttarakhand police and SDRF teams are assisting in returning pilgrims to safer towns until weather conditions improve.
Weather Forecast Raises Alarm
The IMD forecasts continued rainfall across Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand till Friday, driven by active monsoon troughs and a western disturbance interacting with the Himalayan foothills.
IMD statement:
“Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Risk of flash floods, landslides, and riverine floods remains high.”
Economic And Agricultural Losses
Preliminary estimates from state agriculture departments indicate:
- Himachal Pradesh: Over 500 hectares of apple orchards damaged in Shimla and Kullu districts, threatening seasonal yields.
- Uttarakhand: Damage to paddy nurseries and horticulture crops in Pauri Garhwal and Nainital districts due to flooding and soil erosion.
Disaster Preparedness Measures
Both state governments have activated their emergency disaster control rooms, deploying:
- 24×7 monitoring teams for rainfall and river gauge levels.
- Police, SDRF, and NDRF units in landslide-prone zones for immediate response.
- Advisories urging residents and tourists to avoid travel to hilly areas unless essential.
- Stockpiling of essential supplies in vulnerable villages anticipating road blockades.
- District hospitals placed on high alert to handle trauma, injuries, and waterborne diseases.
Voices From The Ground
Rekha Devi, resident of Mandi’s Pandoh village, shared:
“We heard a rumble at midnight. Within minutes, a landslide buried two houses down the slope. Rescue teams are still clearing the debris.”
Ravinder Singh, a truck driver stranded near Kullu, said:
“I’ve been waiting three days for the highway to clear. Food supplies are low, and rains keep pouring.”
Experts Call For Climate Resilience
Environmentalists attribute the intensified rainfall impact to unplanned urbanisation, deforestation, and fragile hill slopes.
Dr. Rajeev Sharma, disaster management expert, noted:
“Climate change is intensifying monsoon extremes. Both states must invest in slope stabilisation, scientific drainage, and strict land use regulations to mitigate future disasters.”
Government Appeals And National Support
The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has sought an immediate release of disaster relief funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to initiate urgent road repairs, bridge reconstructions, and rehabilitation for the thousands displaced.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and assured all central assistance to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in their relief and restoration efforts.
Conclusion
As the monsoon rains continue unabated, the focus remains on immediate rescue and evacuation, preventing further loss of life. Long-term, these tragedies highlight the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure, regulated construction, and effective disaster preparedness in India’s fragile Himalayan states.
Disclaimer
This news report is based on official briefings, state disaster management updates, and field reports. Readers are advised to follow local administration advisories, weather bulletins, and traffic alerts before planning any travel to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand during this period of severe rainfall and landslide risks.
