Himachal Pradesh Rain Fury: Death Toll Rises Above 20 as Cloudbursts Devastate Mandi; Chandigarh-Manali Highway Blocked

Mandi, July 2 : Heavy monsoon rains have unleashed widespread devastation across Himachal Pradesh, with Mandi district bearing the brunt of nature’s fury. A series of ten cloudbursts in the district triggered flash floods and landslides, killing at least five people on Tuesday night and pushing the statewide death toll to over 20 since the onset of the monsoon season on June 20.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), Mandi alone has reported four cloudbursts in Gohar, three in Karsog, two in Dharampur, and one in Thunag. These violent weather events have left 16 people missing and at least five others injured.

Among the deceased, two were reported from Bada and one from Talwara in the Gohar area, one from the old Bazaar in Karsog, and another body was recovered from Neri-Kotla in Jogindernagar. Several homes and properties have been damaged as rivers and streams overflowed due to the torrential rains.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange' alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in multiple districts, including Mandi, Kangra, Solan, Una, and Sirmaur, through the week. Since Monday evening, Mandi recorded an alarming 253.8 mm of rainfall.

The impact on infrastructure has been severe:

• 406 roads across the state are currently closed, with 248 in Mandi alone.

• 994 transformers have been disrupted, causing power outages in several areas.

• The Chandigarh-Manali highway remains blocked at multiple locations, including Nine Mile, Dwada, Jhalogi, and Banala.

• Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) are being redirected via the Kamand–Kataula–Bajaura route.

A total of 332 people have been rescued statewide — 278 from Mandi, 51 from Hamirpur, and three from Chamba.

In a precautionary move, district administrations in Mandi and Hamirpur have ordered the closure of all schools. Meanwhile, Pandoh Dam authorities released over 1.5 lakh cusecs of water from the Beas River after its water level reached 2,922 feet, nearing the danger mark of 2,941 feet.

Speaking to the media in Hamirpur, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed that the state has already suffered losses exceeding ₹500 crore due to rain-related incidents since June 20. He added that relief and rescue operations are ongoing at full scale.

Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorv Devgan, confirmed that several affected residents have been safely evacuated and relocated. “We are on high alert. Rescue teams, including NDRF personnel, are working round the clock,” he stated.

As Himachal Pradesh battles the fury of monsoon rains, authorities urge residents to stay indoors, avoid riverbanks, and adhere to weather advisories.