37 dead, ₹400 crore worth of damage as heavy rains batter Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is suffering from relentless rainfall that has taken more than 37 lives and resulted in extensive damage throughout the mountainous region. The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority reports that property damage has exceeded ₹400 crore, with the death toll likely to increase as rescue efforts proceed.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain warning for the state until July 7, indicating ongoing heavy rainfall. Mandi district is the most affected area, especially the Thunag subdivision, where roads are blocked, and crucial services like electricity and water supply have been significantly interrupted.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, DC Rana, Special Secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Department, said, “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.”

In Mandi alone, 40 people are reported missing. Relief camps have been set up, and food packets were air-dropped by the Indian Air Force to affected areas. “A village in Mandi has been devastated,” Rana confirmed. “Senior officials are stationed in the area, with engineers from the PWD, Electricity Board, and Jal Shakti Department overseeing restoration efforts.”

To date, 37 fatalities have been linked to incidents caused by rain, along with an additional 26 deaths recorded from road accidents in the same timeframe. Across the state, over 250 roads are still obstructed, more than 500 power transformers are offline, and approximately 700 water supply systems have been affected.

Highlighting the broader environmental implications, DC Rana noted, “These events are a consequence of global warming and climate change. Himachal is not untouched by these impacts.”

In Shimla, the continuous downpour has thrown daily life into disarray. Schools have been severely affected, with classrooms inundated and students expressing fear and discomfort. Tanuja Thakur, a student from Shimla, told , “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 added, “Our school is surrounded by trees. There is always a fear that a tree could fall. Thankfully, we are safe for now.”

A coordinated team comprising local administration, police, Home Guards, SDRF, and central forces like the NDRF is conducting search and rescue operations. Officials are on high alert, carefully observing the situation as the state prepares for additional rainfall in the upcoming days.