ANNUAL AFFAIR: Himachal Pradesh Battles Relentless Fury as Death Toll Rises to 74

Himachal Pradesh in northern India is reeling from one of its most devastating monsoon seasons in recent years, with relentless rains triggering landslides, flash floods, and widespread destruction across the hill state. 

As of Saturday evening, the official death toll had climbed to 74, with dozens still missing — many feared buried under debris in the mountainous Mandi district.

Image Source: All India Radio on X

Rescue operations have been ramped up across the worst-hit regions, including Thunag, where search teams from the National and State Disaster Response Forces, Indian Army, and police are navigating collapsed roads, washed-out bridges, and unstable slopes. 

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has also joined efforts to locate the missing and distribute emergency aid.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Sunday, warning of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in multiple districts. Mandi, Kangra, and Sirmaur face the highest risk, while others — including Shimla, Una, Bilaspur, Solan, and Hamirpur — remain under close watch.

Entire stretches of Himachal Pradesh remain inaccessible, with over 230 roads currently blocked, nearly 180 of them in Mandi alone. 

Essential services have also suffered major disruption — nearly 300 water supply systems and power transformers have gone offline. Emergency crews are working to restore electricity and drinking water to remote villages.

The financial toll is rising sharply. Between June 20 and July 5, the state has incurred estimated damages exceeding ₹566 crore (approx. $68 million). In addition to 45 confirmed weather-related fatalities, 30 others have died due to related accidents such as electrocution and road mishaps.

Relief efforts are underway, with over 1,300 families receiving food kits and basic supplies. In the Seraj region, which has been heavily impacted, state authorities are beginning the process of rehabilitation. Monthly rental support is being extended to families whose homes have been destroyed.

In parallel, outreach teams from the disaster response forces have begun door-to-door medical assessments in isolated areas, distributing medicines and reporting critical cases for follow-up. 

A ropeway system in Baglamukhi has been activated for emergency transport and has already assisted over 1,500 people in reaching safer zones.

With the core of the monsoon season still ahead, authorities are bracing for continued emergencies. 

The terrain, fragile infrastructure, and ongoing rainfall have combined to make this crisis one of endurance. The next few weeks will test both administrative preparedness and local resilience.