SHIMLA, July 2: At least five people were killed and 16 others reported missing as relentless rain triggered 16 cloudbursts and three flashfloods across Himachal Pradesh in the past 24 hours, plunging large swathes of the hill state into chaos. Five more persons were injured as rescue teams raced against time amid blocked roads and disrupted power and water services.
The state’s Revenue Department on Tuesday confirmed that Himachal Pradesh has suffered cumulative losses worth ₹356.67 crore due to heavy rainfall over the last 11 days. The situation remains precarious, with critical infrastructure severely impacted and more rain in the forecast.
“Incessant rainfall has caused widespread disruption. We are prioritising road clearance, power restoration, and tracing missing persons,” said a senior official from the Disaster Management Authority.
According to government data, at least 406 roads remain blocked, including 248 in Mandi, 55 in Kangra, 37 in Kullu, 32 in Shimla, 21 in Sirmaur, six in Chamba, four in Una, two in Solan, and one each in Hamirpur and Kinnaur districts. Power supply has taken a significant hit with 1,515 transformers down, nearly two-thirds of them (994) in Mandi alone. Water supply to several towns and villages has also been affected, with 171 schemes disrupted.
Rainfall figures from the Meteorological Department reflect the extent of the downpour. Sandhole in Mandi received the highest rainfall at 223.6 mm, followed by Mandi (216.8 mm), Pandoh (215 mm), and Karsog (160.2 mm). Other significant figures include Palampur (143 mm), Chopal (139.8 mm), and Gohar (125 mm).
The Meteorological Department has issued a fresh flashflood warning for six districts — Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu, Hamirpur, and Mandi — over the next 24 hours, cautioning against surface runoff and flooding in saturated and low-lying areas.
“We are on alert mode,” said a Meteorological Department official. “The state is under an orange warning from July 2 to July 7 for heavy to very heavy rainfall. People must avoid riverbanks and landslide-prone zones.”
Despite the deluge, maximum temperatures across the state remained relatively moderate. Shimla recorded a high of 21.6°C, while tourist hotspots like Dharamsala (27°C), Manali (25.1°C), Dalhousie (19.7°C), and Kasauli (23.6°C) saw mixed weather patterns. Una, at 31.5°C, was the warmest place, while Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti remained the coldest with a minimum of 12.6°C.
As rains continue to batter the region, government agencies remain on high alert. Evacuation and rescue efforts are underway, while local authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
