Shimla, July 2,
A devastating natural disaster struck Himachal Pradesh’s Seraj region in Mandi district on the night of July 1, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction that locals are calling the “worst calamity of the century.” Multiple cloudbursts and flash floods tore through Thunag sub-division and nearby areas, displacing hundreds and affecting over 80,000 residents. The Himalayan Niti Abhiyan, a civil society initiative, has urged the state government to conduct an urgent aerial survey and deploy the Army for effective rescue and relief operations.
Take Free HimachalScape Subscription Complete this form
Choose Your Membership
According to preliminary reports, over 150 houses and shops were completely destroyed in Thunag market, while more than 400 houses across the sub-division have been either fully or partially damaged. The disaster has crippled basic infrastructure—roads and bridges have been washed away, electricity and water supply systems have collapsed, and the region has been entirely cut off. With mobile networks down, communication has become a major hurdle in relief coordination.
Among the worst-hit areas are Jarol, Deji Pakhrair, and Pandavshila. Nine bodies have been recovered so far—seven from Thunag, one from Jarol, and one from Pandavshila. At least 17 people are missing from Deji Pakhrair, and two more are unaccounted for in Pandavshila. The entire Jarol market has been flattened. Government buildings, hospitals, and schools have suffered major damage and are unlikely to function for months. Villages like Serthi and Bhadraana saw several homes and cowsheds collapse, though fortunately no casualties were reported from these locations.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) teams have launched intensive rescue operations. Two NDRF and two SDRF teams have been deployed in Mandi and are currently active in Thunag, Gohar, and Karsog. So far, 332 people have been rescued, including 278 from Mandi. In one instance, 16 people—including 12 children and 4 women—were safely evacuated from Jayuni Khad, while seven families were rescued from Rikki village. However, the destruction of roads and bridges has significantly slowed down the operations. Police teams have managed to reach Pandavshila from Janjehli, and SDRF teams have advanced up to Bagsyad.
This disaster not only threatens lives and property but is also shattering the socio-economic fabric of the Seraj region. With food shortages deepening and residents forced to live under open skies, the situation grows more dire by the hour. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued rainfall over the next 24 hours, further complicating recovery efforts.
The Himalayan Niti Abhiyan represented by coordinator Guman Singh and advocate Hem Singh, has appealed for immediate aerial reconnaissance and military assistance, stating that without large-scale intervention, the region will not be able to recover from this crisis. They also emphasized the urgency of restoring mobile connectivity and delivering essential supplies. With roads impassable and communication broken, a swift, well-coordinated response remains the only hope for the stricken population.
