Himachal’s Monsoon Nightmare: 72 Lives Lost, Villages Buried as Rains Wreak Havoc
Heartbreak in the Hills
The relentless monsoon has turned Himachal Pradesh’s picturesque valleys into scenes of tragedy, with 72 lives lost, 37 still missing, and entire villages cut off by landslides and flash floods. Families are clinging to hope as rescue teams battle blocked roads and rising waters to reach survivors.
The Human Toll
- Mandi district worst-hit: 20 dead, roads reduced to rubble
- Kangra, Chamba, Shimla: Dozens buried under landslides
- 27 killed in road accidents as highways crumble
- 113 injured, many still trapped in remote areas
“We heard a roar, then the mountain came down—our neighbor’s house vanished in seconds,” says , a survivor in Mandi, where 176 roads remain blocked.
A State Under Water
The economic cost has crossed ₹541 crore, but numbers can’t capture the devastation:
- 288 homes flattened
- 507 cowsheds destroyed, leaving farmers destitute
- 251 cattle swept away—lifelines for hill families
- 10,000 poultry birds drowned in flash floods
In Sundernagar, 278 water supply schemes have failed, forcing women to trek miles for drinking water. “No electricity, no roads—we’re living like prisoners,” says, a shopkeeper whose business was buried under sludge.
Race Against Time
With the IMD predicting more heavy rains till July 8, the state is in a desperate scramble:
- 261 roads still blocked, isolating villages
- 300 power transformers dead, plunging areas into darkness
- Army and NDRF teams using helicopters to airlift stranded families
Why This Monsoon Feels Different
Climate scientists warn this disaster reflects a broader Himalayan crisis—unchecked construction, deforestation, and extreme weather are turning seasonal rains into annual catastrophes. “These aren’t just landslides; they’re wounds from environmental neglect,” explains , a Shimla-based geologist.
How to Help
- Donate: Himachal Disaster Relief Fund
- Avoid travel to affected districts
- Share verified helpline numbers:
- State Emergency: 1070
- NDRF: 9711077372
A Prayer for the Mountains
As evening falls over waterlogged villages, survivors light candles for the missing. The clouds haven’t parted, but Himachal’s spirit remains unbroken. “We’ll rebuild,” says 70-year-old man, staring at the ruins of his home. “But how many monsoons like this can we survive?”
