Heavy Rains Devastate Himachal Pradesh, Kill 37 and Cause Property Damage

Himachal Pradesh is facing widespread destruction due to continuous heavy rainfall. So far, the floods have claimed over 37 lives and caused property damage worth more than ₹400 crore. Rescue teams are still searching for missing people, so the death toll may rise.

IMD Issues Warning for Continued Rain

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rain will likely continue across the state until July 7. As a result, people have been advised to remain alert and avoid landslide-prone areas.

Mandi District Worst Affected

Among all the regions, Mandi district has suffered the most. Specifically, the Thunag subdivision is cut off as roads remain blocked. In addition, power and water supply systems have completely failed.

During a press conference on Wednesday, DC Rana, Special Secretary in the Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Department, shared the current situation. He 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.”

Relief Efforts Underway Amid Growing Crisis

In Mandi alone, 40 people remain missing. To help stranded villagers, authorities have set up relief camps. Moreover, the Indian Air Force has air-dropped food packets into the worst-hit areas.

DC Rana confirmed, “A village in Mandi has been devastated.” Additionally, senior officers and engineers from the PWD, Electricity Board, and Jal Shakti Department are working on restoring basic services.

State Infrastructure Severely Hit

So far, 37 people have died due to weather-related events, and 26 more have died in road accidents during this period. Furthermore, the state’s infrastructure is heavily damaged. Over 250 roads are blocked, more than 500 electricity transformers are not working and around 700 drinking water schemes are affected.

Rana also warned about the broader environmental impact. He said, “These events are a consequence of global warming and climate change. Himachal is not untouched by these impacts.”

Shimla Schools Struggle as Rain Disrupts Daily Life

Meanwhile, in Shimla, the heavy downpour has disrupted daily life. Schools are flooded, and students are scared to attend classes.

Tanuja Thakur, a student, told ANI, “It’s raining heavily. Water is entering our classrooms, our clothes and books are soaked. Our teachers are telling us it’s better to stay at home.”

She further added, “Our school is surrounded by trees. There is always a fear that a tree could fall. Thankfully, we are safe for now.”

Multiple Agencies Join Rescue Operations

At the same time, rescue efforts are ongoing across affected areas. A joint team involving the local administration, police, Home Guards, and SDRF is working alongside central agencies like the NDRF.

Finally, the government remains on high alert, as more rainfall is expected in the coming days. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely.