NEW DELHI: The Himachal Pradesh state disaster management authority (SDMA) released its latest report on the havoc caused by the 2025 monsoon, which began on June 20, confirming 419 deaths across the state, as of September 17.
Of these, 237 people died in rain-related incidents, while 182 lost their lives in road accidents. Landslides proved the deadliest, with 52 fatalities, followed by falls from trees or steep slopes which killed 45 people, drowning, which took 40 lives, 17 died due to cloudbursts and 11 perished in flash floods.
Meanwhile on Thursday, moderate to heavy rain hit several parts of the state, forcing the closure of 566 roads, including two national highways, officials told PTI.
The meteorological department issued a yellow warning for heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning in isolated areas of Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur. Thunderstorms were reported in Shimla, Kangra, Palampur, Murari Devi and Sundernagar, while gusty winds of 33–35 kmph lashed Tabo and Bajaura.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the highest road closures were reported from Mandi (203), followed by Kullu (156) and Shimla (50). The affected highways include NH-3 (Attari–Leh road) and NH-503A (Amritsar–Bhota road).
The monsoon has left behind large-scale destruction of property. Losses to public infrastructure have been pegged at Rs 4,59,536.54 lakhs. The Public Works Department alone reported damages of Rs 1,41,387.8 lakhs, while the Jal Shakti Vibhag recorded losses of Rs 13,946.69 lakhs. The Power Department put its figure at Rs 2,045.05 lakhs, ANI reported.
Thousands of homes have been affected too. At least 583 pucca houses and 1,676 kutcha houses were partially damaged, while 934 pucca houses and 2,150 kutcha houses were completely destroyed.
The report also maps out where disasters hit hardest: 145 landslides, 98 flash floods and 46 cloudbursts were recorded. Lahaul & Spiti saw the most landslides (29) and the highest number of flash floods (57). Shimla reported 27 landslides and Kullu 23. Mandi was worst affected by cloudbursts, with 19 incidents, followed by Kullu (12) and Chamba (6).
Meanwhile, the police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are continuing with ‘Operation Hausal’, launched after flash floods battered Dharampur, as per ANI.
"On the night of 15-16 September, the sudden heavy flood in the Sonkhad, Dharmpur area affected the bus stand, market, and surrounding houses. The Mandi Police, in coordination with SDRF, immediately initiated relief and rescue operations," the Himachal police posted on X.
Two people are still missing. “Our efforts continue so that no hope remains unfulfilled. Unfortunately, two people are still missing. Coordinated efforts are ongoing to find them. The police are always committed to ensuring the safety and protection of every citizen's life,” the force added.
Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a high-level review meeting earlier this week to take stock of the situation. Expressing concern over the heavy loss of lives and property, he asked officials to act swiftly to safeguard residents.
According to an official statement, five people were killed in the past two days alone, three in Nihari and two near Pandoh Mohal Suma in Mandi district. Two others remain missing.
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