Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, July 3
Torrential rains and extreme weather have left a trail of destruction across Himachal Pradesh, with at least 37 people dead and estimated damages exceeding ₹407 crore since 20 June, officials said on Saturday. In the last two days alone, the hill state has reported 14 cloudburst incidents and three flash floods, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, livestock, and homes. The worst-hit district has been Mandi, where 13 people lost their lives, five were injured, and 29 remain missing.
Special Secretary of the Revenue Department, Duni Chand Rana, confirmed the figures, warning that the damage estimates are likely to rise as more reports come in. “The destruction is widespread — bridges have collapsed, houses have been flattened, and roads washed away,” Rana told reporters. “Relief and rescue operations are ongoing, and five relief camps have been set up to house displaced families.”
According to official data, 164 animals have perished, 154 homes have been damaged, and 106 cattle sheds destroyed. Additionally, 14 bridges and 31 vehicles have suffered damage.
The monsoon has turned life upside down for many residents in the hilly state, disrupting transport and communication lines. Authorities have launched emergency responses, but persistent rainfall has hampered access to several remote areas.
As of now, 357 people are staying in government relief camps. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with more rain forecast in the coming days.
