Mandi Tragedy Leaves 10 Dead, 34 Missing Amid Flash Floods

A devastating cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh has wreaked havoc in the Mandi district, claiming the lives of at least 10 people, with 34 still reported missing. The sudden downpour triggered intense flash floods, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and disrupting life across the region. Rescue operations are currently underway, as teams work tirelessly to locate the missing and provide aid to the affected families. This tragic event once again highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the hilly state.

 in Himachal Pradesh,a multi-storey building that collapsed following heavy rainfall,while search continues for missing people.
In Himachal Pradesh, a multi-storey building that collapsed following heavy rainfall, while search continues for missing people.

10 Dead, 34 Missing as Flash Floods Wreak Havoc, Rescue Efforts Intensify

A devastating cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh has triggered widespread destruction, claiming at least 10 lives and leaving 34 people missing as flash floods ravage the state. The impact has been severe, with 11 cloudbursts and 4 major flash floods reported so far. The situation is particularly grim in Mandi, where 24 homes, 12 cattle sheds, a bridge, and over 400 roads have been damaged. Additionally, 994 transformers are down, plunging several areas into darkness.

Rescue operations are in full swing, with a total of 332 people rescued statewide. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in the worst-hit towns, including Gohar, Karsog, and Thunag. An alternate route has been opened but is accessible only to light vehicles.

As a precaution, schools have been shut in Mandi and Hamirpur. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert for heavy rainfall in Kangra, Solan, and Sirmaur, and a ‘yellow’ alert for the rest of the state till July 5. The cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh has once again raised concerns about climate vulnerability in the Himalayan region.

Torrential Rains Trigger Chaos, Leave Trail of Destruction and Loss

The Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh that began with torrential monsoon rains on June 20 has unleashed a wave of devastation across the state. The relentless downpour led to multiple incidents of flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, severely disrupting normal life and claiming several lives. Tragically, fatalities due to drowning and electrocution have also been reported, while five people still remain missing as of June 30. The disaster has left hundreds of families homeless, as houses and public infrastructure have been partially or completely damaged, pushing the estimated losses beyond ₹7,569 lakh, according to the State’s Emergency Operation Centre. As rescue operations continue, the recurring cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh stands as a grim reminder of the fragile ecosystem and increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the Himalayan region.

The Junction of the Beas and Suketi rivers flowing in spate after cloudburst, in Mandi district, on July 1, 2025. Photo credit :PTI
The Junction of the Beas and Suketi rivers flowing in spate after cloudburst, in Mandi district, on July 1, 2025. Photo credit :PTI

Lives Lost and Property Damaged in Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu

In the past 24 hours, Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh has triggered chaos across multiple districts, including Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu. These sudden cloudbursts, accompanied by relentless heavy rains, have led to severe flash floods, resulting in significant loss of lives and widespread destruction of property. Roads have been washed away, houses damaged, and normal life has come to a standstill in the affected areas. The back-to-back weather disasters have put immense pressure on rescue operations, with authorities rushing to provide relief and restore connectivity. As rain continues to lash the region, the state remains on high alert, underscoring the growing vulnerability of hill states to extreme climatic events.

CM Sukhu Flags Alarming Damage Across Mandi and Karsog, Rains Lash Neighbouring States

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep concern over the devastating Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh and the widespread damage caused by overnight torrential rains. The cloudbursts have severely impacted regions such as Karsog, Dharampur, Mandi Sadar, Nachan, and Saraj, resulting in tragic loss of life and extensive damage to homes, roads, and public infrastructure. CM Sukhu assured that rescue and relief efforts are underway to support affected families. Meanwhile, the impact of the intense weather extended beyond Himachal, as the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, along with the capital Chandigarh, witnessed heavy downpours, triggering alerts and disrupting daily life across North India.

Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh
Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh

Mandi Worst-Hit as Death Toll Rises, Roads and Power Lines Crippled

The impact of the Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh continues to unfold with alarming intensity, as fresh casualties and infrastructural damage emerge. On Tuesday, two deaths were reported in Bada and one in Talwara, both in Gohar; another life was lost in Old Bazaar, Karsog, while one more body was recovered at Neri-Kotla in Jogindernagar. The district of Mandi has borne the brunt of the devastation, with 182 roads blocked, 633 transformers damaged, and 465 water supply schemes disrupted as of Wednesday morning. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) has been actively monitoring the crisis, deploying two teams each from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to aid in rescue and recovery. As the state grapples with the aftermath of yet another deadly cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh, efforts are underway to restore normalcy and prevent further loss.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said “I am in constant contact with the district administration, continuously reviewing relief and rescue operations to ensure that prompt and effective assistance reaches those in need. I humbly request the people of the state to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the administration.” 

Heavy Rainfall Batters Kasauli, Mandi, and Shimla; Orange Alert Issued

Amid ongoing weather disruptions, Cloudburst in Himachal Pradesh continues to wreak havoc, with several towns receiving intense rainfall over the past 24 hours. According to PTI, Kasauli recorded the highest with 55 mm, closely followed by Baggi (54.8 mm), Dharampur (38.8 mm), Mandi (36.8 mm), Sarahan (32 mm), and Solan (27.4 mm). Other regions like Pandoh (27 mm), Jubbarhatti (26.2 mm), and Shimla (24.2 mm) also witnessed significant downpours. In view of the persistent heavy rainfall and the increasing risk of flash floods and landslides, the Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains from Friday to Sunday. Authorities are urging residents and tourists to remain cautious as the threat of more cloudburst events in Himachal Pradesh looms over the coming days.

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By Puja

Puja Mondal is a skilled writer and editor at a leading news platform, known for her sharp analysis and crisp reporting on government schemes, current affairs, technology, and the automobile sector. Her clear storytelling and impactful insights have earned her a loyal readership and a respected place in modern journalism.

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