Monsoon Mayhem in Himachal: 37 Dead, ₹400 Cr Damage Sparks Urgent Rescue & Climate Warning

Relentless monsoon rains have triggered devastating cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in Himachal Pradesh, killing at least 37 people and causing over ₹400 crore in damage. Mandi district is the worst-hit, with 14 deaths and 31 missing as rescue teams scramble through debris. The disaster has destroyed 150+ homes, 14 bridges, and critical highways like the Manali-Keylong route. Uttarakhand remains on high alert after the Badrinath Highway was blocked by landslides, disrupting pilgrim travel.

The IMD warns of continued heavy rains in Himalayan states, while Delhi braces for thunderstorms and Goa shuts schools due to flooding risks. Southern India, including Karnataka and Odisha, faces extreme rainfall, with coastal areas recording over 200mm. Experts link the escalating destruction to climate change and poor infrastructure, urging long-term disaster preparedness reforms. Authorities advise avoiding rivers and landslide-prone zones as the crisis unfolds.

Monsoon Mayhem in Himachal: 37 Dead, ₹400 Cr Damage Sparks Urgent Rescue & Climate Warning

The relentless monsoon rains have unleashed chaos in Himachal Pradesh, claiming at least 37 lives and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure. With cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides wreaking havoc, the state faces one of its worst monsoon crises in recent years.  

Key Updates: 

Rising Death Toll & Rescue Operations  

• Mandi district remains the worst hit, with 14 deaths reported after multiple cloudbursts and flash floods. Rescue teams are searching for 31 missing persons.  

• Over 150 houses, 104 cattle sheds, and 14 bridges have been destroyed, while 162 livestock have perished.  

• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working to clear debris blocking the Manali-Keylong highway after floods near Solang Nallah. 

Uttarakhand & Himalayan Region on High Alert  

• The Badrinath National Highway was blocked near Nandprayag due to falling debris, disrupting pilgrim travel.  

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next five days. 

Delhi & Northwest India Brace for Thunderstorms  

• Delhi is likely to experience thunderstorms and rain, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 37°C.  

• Rajasthan’s Jalore recorded 136.5 mm of rain, while Ajmer faced severe waterlogging. 

Southern & Western India on Alert  

• Goa declared a school holiday due to an orange alert for heavy rains.  

• Karnataka’s coastal regions, including Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, may see extremely heavy rainfall (over 200 mm) with strong winds.  

• Odisha has already received 305.8 mm of rain, 29% above average, with more downpours expected. 

Why This Matters 

The monsoon’s intensity highlights the vulnerability of Himalayan states to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change and unplanned development. With infrastructure collapsing and rescue operations hampered, the focus shifts to disaster preparedness and sustainable urban planning.  

What’s Next? 

• Immediate Relief: Evacuations and relief camps are operational in Mandi and other affected districts.  

• Long-Term Measures: Experts call for better drainage systems, landslide mitigation, and stricter construction norms in ecologically sensitive zones.