Himachal : Cloudbursts and flash floods kill 4, 16 missing as Mandi record 22 cm rainfall

Himachalscape bureau Published: July 1, 2025 | Updated: July 1, 2025 3 minutes read

Shimla, July 1,

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Mandi district faced one of its most devastating days in recent monsoon history as multiple cloudbursts and extreme rainfall events over the past 24 hours triggered widespread flash floods, landslides, and destruction, leaving at least four people dead, four injured, and 16 others missing. Official figures confirmed by the Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operation Centre reveal the scale of havoc—233 people were rescued from affected areas in Mandi alone, while homes, cowsheds, bridges, and highways suffered extensive damage.

According to the India Meteorological Department, Mandi district recorded some of the heaviest rainfall in the state, with Sandhole and Mandi town each receiving 22 cm, Pandoh logging 21 cm, and Bijahi 20 cm in the 24-hour period ending 8:30 AM today. These readings fall under the “extremely heavy rainfall” category, defined as rainfall above 204.5 mm in 24 hours. Karsog reported 16 cm and Gohar 13 cm, indicating a widespread cloudburst-prone weather system that lashed nearly the entire district.

The most severe consequences were witnessed in Karsog, where early morning cloudbursts near the Old Bazar and Kutti Bypass unleashed deadly flash floods that swept away houses, vehicles, and bridges. In the Old Bazar area, one person died and four others were reported missing. In Gohar subdivision, nine people were washed away after cloudbursts destroyed two houses in Siyanj village, while two more deaths were confirmed from Bada village. Landslides near Ghen village left two more people trapped as rescue operations continued through the day. The Beas river in Pandoh also swelled dangerously after dam water was released, prompting evacuation of over 100 to 150 people from the Pandoh Bazar area.

Altogether, Mandi district alone reported 11 cloudburst events, 4 flash floods, 1 major landslide, 10 damaged houses, 12 destroyed cowsheds, and 26 cattle deaths. One bridge was damaged in Balichowki, and National Highway 305 was blocked, stranding commuters in tunnels. SDRF and NDRF teams were deployed across Karsog, Gohar, and Thunag, while food and medical supplies were rushed to stranded locations.

Beyond Mandi, the monsoon also battered parts of Kangra district, where Palampur received 14 cm of rain, and Dehra Gopipur logged 6 cm. In Shimla, Chaupal also saw 14 cm, while Kotkhai, Narkanda, Kufri, and Rohru registered between 5 and 8 cm. The capital city Shimla itself recorded 5 cm of rainfall. Hamirpur, Sirmaur, Solan, Una, and Bilaspur districts reported light to moderate rainfall ranging from 1 to 4 cm. Despite fewer incidents in these regions, rescue operations were also carried out in Hamirpur (51 people rescued) and Chamba (3 rescued) due to rising water levels and debris inflows.

The IMD has issued red alerts in 10 districts including Mandi, warning of further heavy to very heavy rain and likely landslides in the coming days. The rainfall has also caused a significant dip in daytime temperatures, falling by 2–8°C across several regions.

As the monsoon advances further into July, today’s tragedy stands as a grim reminder of the fragile balance between life and topography in the Himalayas. The combined toll of extreme rainfall and weather-triggered disasters in Mandi underlines the urgent need for resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and better preparedness for the changing rhythm of the monsoon.

Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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