Himachal Landslide: Death Toll Rises to 80, Damages Cross ₹692 Crore Amid Ongoing Rescue Operations

Himachal Pradesh Rains: 80 Dead, ₹692 Crore Damages as Rescue Ops Continue

Himachal Pradesh has been battered by incessant rains, leading to severe devastation across the state. According to a report by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the death toll from cloudbursts, landslides, and related accidents has risen to 80 between June 20 and July 7. Among these fatalities, 52 people lost their lives directly due to rain-related incidents like landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, while 28 deaths occurred due to accidents such as electrocution, snake bites, and falls.

The Mandi district has emerged as the worst affected, recording 17 rain-related deaths, making it the epicentre of the monsoon’s impact. The monsoon havoc has also led to 128 injuries and significant damage to homes and livestock. In total, 320 houses were completely destroyed, 38 houses partially damaged, and 10,254 livestock and poultry deaths were reported during the 17-day period.

In terms of economic losses, the rains have wreaked havoc on public infrastructure, causing damages estimated at over ₹692 crore. The situation remains grim as rescue and relief operations continue across the affected regions. The administration has deployed around 250 personnel, including teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Home Guards, and local volunteers. Drones and sniffer dogs have been pressed into service to locate people missing in landslide- and flood-affected areas.

Several political leaders have visited the disaster-hit zones to assess the situation firsthand. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut, Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, state BJP president Rajiv Bindal, and multiple cabinet ministers have met with the victims and officials coordinating relief work.

In terms of essential services, the state government confirmed that 241 water supply schemes have suffered damage, including a major ₹121 crore project in the Seraj and Balichowki areas. The damage to these schemes has disrupted drinking water access in many regions, adding to the people’s woes.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued rainfall across parts of Himachal Pradesh. A yellow alert has been issued for Una, Hamirpur, Solan, and Sirmaur districts, warning of heavy rain in isolated areas until Wednesday. The MeT department has advised people to stay indoors and avoid vulnerable zones due to the risk of more landslides and flash floods.

This year’s monsoon has once again highlighted the vulnerability of hill states like Himachal Pradesh to climate-induced disasters. As recovery efforts continue, state authorities and central agencies are working round the clock to restore normalcy and prevent further loss of life and property. However, challenges remain due to difficult terrain, intermittent rains, and blocked routes caused by landslides.