Cloudbursts Batter Himachal Pradesh: 10 Dead, 30 Missing, ₹500 Crore Loss Estimated

National News: The monsoon has once again revealed its devastating face in Himachal Pradesh. On Tuesday, cloudbursts were reported at 11 locations, causing severe disruption to life and infrastructure. The worst-hit district was Mandi, where seven separate cloudburst incidents occurred. Torrential rains and flash floods in Gohar, Karsog, Thunag, and Dharampur subdivisions have led to massive destruction. According to initial reports, at least 10 people have lost their lives, while over 30 remain missing.

Worst Devastation in Mandi

In Mandi’s Gohar subdivision, two houses were swept away in the floodwaters of Juuni Khad. A family of nine was washed away in the disaster, with only a few bodies recovered so far. In the Seraj subdivision, areas like Bagsyad, Thunag, and Janjehli witnessed more destruction. A school staff member's family, comprising 19 members, was among those washed away—four bodies have been recovered, and search operations are ongoing.

Basic Infrastructure Severely Damaged

The heavy rainfall has taken a toll on the state’s essential services. Over 406 roads have been closed, 1,515 power transformers are damaged, and around 171 drinking water schemes have been disrupted. In Mandi district alone, electricity, water supply, and communication services have been hit hard. Power generation has been suspended at Larji and Dahar power stations for over 28 hours, and several small hydropower projects have also sustained damage.

Intense Rescue Operations Underway

Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan has been actively coordinating rescue efforts with disaster response teams through the night. So far, 287 people have been rescued from affected areas. Teams from NDRF, SDRF, local police, and Home Guard are involved in the search for those missing. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the preliminary loss is estimated to be over ₹500 crore, which may rise further. He has directed immediate acceleration of relief and rehabilitation operations.

Railways and Highways Also Affected

Landslides on the Kalka-Shimla railway line have disrupted train movement, particularly near Solan and Salogra stations. Trains heading to Shimla had to be halted due to debris on the tracks. Meanwhile, traffic on the Kiratpur-Manali and Pathankot-Mandi four-lane highways was brought to a standstill due to heavy landslides, stranding hundreds of vehicles.

IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for continued heavy rainfall till July 3, particularly in districts like Mandi, Kangra, Solan, Sirmaur, and Shimla. People have been advised to stay indoors, avoid hilly terrain, and take all necessary precautions.

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a grave natural calamity, as relentless monsoon rains and cloudbursts continue to cause large-scale destruction. While the state government and rescue teams are working round the clock, the unpredictable weather remains a looming threat. Citizens are urged to remain cautious and seek assistance in emergencies.