Monsoon cloudbursts and flash floods wreak havoc in Himachal Pradesh, over 69 dead and 37 missing

Himachal Pradesh has been devastated by early monsoon showers. Since June 20, the state has experienced 14 cloudbursts and numerous flash floods, triggering widespread destruction. At least 69 people have died, with 37 missing and around 110 injured, according to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The Mandi district has been the hardest hit, with villages like Thunag, Karsog, and Dharampur suffering extensive damage—houses, bridges, and roads were washed away or collapsed.

The estimated infrastructure loss exceeds ₹700 crore, including over 250 roads blocked, more than 500 power transformers out of service, and nearly 700 drinking-water schemes disrupted.

Early morning of July 1 saw multiple cloudbursts in the Karsog area, resulting in flash floods that swept away homes, vehicles, and bridges. One person is feared dead and over a dozen missing in this single district alone.

Similar events have been reported in Shimla, Kangra, Chamba, Kullu, Solan, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Sirmaur, and Una.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy to extreme rainfall in Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur, and an orange alert in several other districts—warning of further cloudbursts, floods, landslides, thunderstorms, and lightning .

State and central authorities, including the NDRF and Army, are engaged in urgent rescue efforts. Relief camps have been set up and aid is being provided to displaced residents.

CM Sukhu announced a ₹5,000 rental support grant for affected families. Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed central assistance and additional NDRF team deployments.

Experts warn that the early onset and intensity of monsoon rains reflect growing risks in Himalayan hill states vulnerable to extreme weather and shifting climate patterns.

The IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall across most of India throughout July.