Shimla, Sept 1,
Himachal Pradesh is reeling from the catastrophic effects of monsoon rains, with preliminary damage estimates soaring to over Rs 3,056 crore as of August 31, according to a statement from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The widespread devastation, described as a result of “cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides,” has caused immense losses across the state, particularly in the districts of Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, Kangra, and Hamirpur.
Despite the scale of the crisis, the state government is focused on a robust rescue and restoration effort, particularly in the hardest-hit regions.
Chamba: Pilgrims Safely Evacuated
A large-scale rescue operation in Chamba district successfully evacuated 10,000 of the 15,000 pilgrims who were stranded on the Manimahesh Yatra route. The operation involved coordinated teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and mountaineering institutes. The Chief Minister conducted an aerial survey to personally assess the situation and deliver supplies. Key roads, including the Chamba-Pathankot highway, have been cleared, and a 2G network has been restored in Bharmour to aid communication.
Kullu: Highway Restoration a Priority
Efforts are concentrated on restoring major national highways, including the Kullu-Mandi and Manali routes. An alternative route via Kamand-Kataula is being used to reroute smaller vehicles. Power has been restored in most areas, and telecommunication services are largely functional, with the exception of the Banjar region. The damaged Old Manali bridge has been reopened for light vehicles, helping to reconnect communities.
Lahaul and Spiti: Airdrops and Road Clearances
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is actively clearing roads, and the route from Lahaul through Rohtang to Manali has been reopened. The Indian Air Force has also provided critical support, airdropping rations and airlifting five patients—including a pregnant woman and a child—to a regional hospital in Kullu. Basic services are being restored, with mobile networks from Jio and Airtel back online and power supply improving following the resumption of the Thirot Power House. Relief materials, including cooked meals and blankets, have been distributed, and affected residents have been provided shelter in hotels and rest houses
The Chief Minister’s statement noted that roads, bridges, water, and power systems have suffered the most significant damage. In addition to the monetary losses, news reports indicate that over 300 people have died since the monsoon began on June 20, with 166 deaths linked to rain-related incidents like landslides and drowning.
The scale of the disaster is also evident in the widespread disruptions. Over 600 roads, including four national highways, remain blocked due to landslides, isolating many remote areas and severely impacting the apple harvest in regions like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti. Farmers are facing major losses as traders are hesitant to buy produce due to the impassable highways. Furthermore, over 1,280 houses have been destroyed and thousands of animals have perished.
The state government is taking measures to address the crisis, including launching large-scale rescue operations, but the sheer magnitude of the devastation presents an enormous challenge for recovery and restoration efforts.
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