Monsoon fury ravages Himachal and Uttarakhand: 268 dead, dozens missing

Relentless rainfall over the past two days has triggered widespread devastation across the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts across several districts in both states, warning of more heavy rain, potential landslides, and flash floods.

Flooded rivers, damaged roads, and collapsed bridges have left hundreds of residents and tourists stranded as monsoon conditions worsen in the Himalayan region. Emergency teams have been deployed, and rescue efforts are underway. Authorities are urging people to avoid landslide-prone areas.

In Himachal Pradesh, authorities have recorded at least 14 cloudbursts and 3 flash floods in recent days. The worst-hit area is Mandi district, where 14 people have died, 5 have been injured, and 30 others are missing. With these recent deaths, the monsoon death toll in the state has climbed to 78.

Yellow alerts are active in Una, Bilaspur, Solan, and Sirmaur, where rains have already caused significant damage. In Kangra Valley, rising rivers and falling trees blocked roads, prompting locals to clear routes themselves, such as near Sammela, where residents made way for ambulances and relief vehicles.

Mandi also faces widespread damage—over 50 bighas of farmland have been lost, and a newly constructed bridge in Chamba’s Churah area was swept away, isolating four villages. Currently, 243 roads remain closed across the state, including 183 in Mandi alone. Power lines and water systems have also suffered major damage. Initial losses are pegged at Rs 572 crore, though Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu warned that damages could rise to Rs 700 crore.

In Uttarakhand, natural calamities since June 1, 2025, have claimed 21 lives and left 11 injured, with 9 people still missing in Uttarkashi. The most affected districts include Uttarkashi (8 deaths), Chamoli (4), Rudraprayag (3), and Dehradun (3).

An orange alert remains in place for parts of Uttarakhand, including Tehri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, and Dehradun, while a yellow alert is active for Haridwar, Nainital, and Pithoragarh. Based on alerts from IMD and the Geological Survey of India, a high-alert landslide warning has been issued for Tehri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi.

Landslides and heavy rain have blocked 50 roads, including two national highways and two state highways. So far, 134 homes have been partially damaged and 10 completely destroyed. The worst damage has been reported in Bageshwar (40 houses), Uttarkashi (36), Dehradun (14), and several in Rudraprayag.

Since the start of the 2025 Chardham Yatra, a total of 169 deaths have been reported—mostly due to health issues. The highest tolls were in Kedarnath (78 deaths), followed by Badrinath (44), Gangotri (24), and Yamunotri (22).

In Chamoli district, the Badrinath Highway has again been closed due to landslide debris. Other roads, such as the Siwai–Karnaprayag route, have been washed away. Schools in several regions are shut, and people have been advised to stay indoors.