Nature’s Fury Returns: Himachal Reels Under Fresh Rains, Landslides, and Heartbreak
After a brief lull, relentless rains have once again battered Himachal Pradesh, triggering fresh landslides and flash floods that have left a trail of destruction across Mandi and Chamba districts. In a heartbreaking incident in Chamba’s Sutan village, a massive boulder crushed a home, claiming the lives of a young couple—Sanju’s daughter and son-in-law—leaving the community in mourning.
In Thunag, Mandi district—already reeling from earlier landslides in late June—the renewed downpour has caused further damage, prompting authorities to shut down all educational institutions in Theog and Thunag sub-divisions. “This decision is about protecting our children,” said Dr. Shashank Gupta, SDM Theog, as he announced the closure of schools, colleges, ITIs, and Anganwadi centres in several vulnerable areas.
Roads have turned treacherous, with landslides blocking key routes like the Mandi-Kullu National Highway and burying vehicles under debris. In Chamba’s Churah region, a bridge was washed away, and in Sirmaur, NH-707 remains closed due to falling rocks.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 72 hours. The worst-hit areas—Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Solan, Mandi, and Sirmaur—are bracing for more rain, while yellow alerts remain in place for Chamba, Kullu, and Shimla.
Since June 20, the state has witnessed 125 deaths, over 200 injuries, and economic losses exceeding ₹1,235 crore. Mandi, Kullu, and Kangra have borne the brunt of 34 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts, and 21 major landslides.
As Himachal battles yet another wave of nature’s fury, the resilience of its people is once again being tested. The coming days will be crucial—not just for recovery, but for survival.
