Himachal monsoon havoc continues: Cloudburst in Mandi kills two, toll rises to 164
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, July 29,
The South-West Monsoon has once again unleashed chaos in Himachal Pradesh, bringing fresh destruction and tragedy across the hill state. Torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides have claimed two more lives in the early hours of Tuesday, pushing the monsoon death toll to 164, with 34 people still reported missing.
In Mandi district, a late-night cloudburst near Jail Road triggered flash flooding around 3 AM. Debris from an overflowing drain entered multiple homes, trapping 15 residents sleeping on the ground floor. Rescue operations by police and emergency teams ensured timely evacuation, but two lives were lost in the incident.
Over 20 vehicles were buried under muck and landslide debris in various parts of Mandi city, while the vital Chandigarh–Manali four-lane highway has suffered extensive damage. The highway remains blocked at 4 Mile, 9 Mile, and Dwada, where entire stretches of road have been washed away. Additionally, the Mandi–Jogindernagar highway has been shut near Lawandi Bridge due to landslides, severely disrupting regional connectivity.
The Suketi ravine, which flows through Mandi town, has overflowed and flooded adjacent residential areas, compounding the damage.
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In response to the worsening situation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Mandi, Kullu, and Kangra districts, warning of further landslides, flash floods, and waterlogging. Shimla is also bracing for continued heavy rainfall, with a yellow alert in place for the next 48 hours.
Other districts—Chamba, Solan, Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Sirmaur—remain on alert for isolated heavy spells. While the prevailing Western Disturbance is expected to weaken slightly from July 30, rainfall is likely to persist across many areas.
A yellow alert has been issued for Chamba and Sirmaur on July 31, and isolated heavy rainfall is forecast for Sirmaur on August 1.
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, the state has suffered significant losses, with damage to public and private property estimated at ₹1,523 crore. Flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides have accounted for 27 deaths, while hundreds remain displaced or affected by the monsoon fury.
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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.
