Himachal Pradesh is reeling from the devastating impact of relentless monsoon rains, which have triggered cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides across the state. As of Friday afternoon, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed that at least 69 people have lost their lives, 37 are missing, and 110 have sustained injuries.
A red alert for heavy rain has been issued across all districts, with adverse weather expected to continue through Monday, July 7.

The Chief Minister reported that 14 cloudbursts have occurred since the onset of the monsoon on June 20. The resulting devastation has severely impacted infrastructure, including roads, drinking water projects, and electricity supply. Relief and rescue efforts are underway, with particular focus on the worst-hit Mandi district.

"We stand with the disaster-affected families," Mr. Sukhu said, announcing a relief package of ₹5,000 for each affected family to help with accommodation. Search and rescue operations are being intensified in the most affected regions.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh, offering support from the central government. "Adequate NDRF teams have been deployed and reinforcements are ready if needed," Mr. Shah assured.

Mandi district has reported over a dozen fatalities and around 40 people are still missing. In addition, 13 deaths have been confirmed in Kangra, six in Chamba, and five in Shimla. The worst-affected areas in Mandi include Thunag and Bagsayed—both in the constituency of former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur—along with Karsog and Dharampur.

Fatalities have also been recorded in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul Spiti, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una districts. Over 100 people have been injured statewide.

The widespread destruction includes the collapse of hundreds of homes and the washing away of 14 bridges. Additionally, nearly 300 livestock, including 164 cattle, have perished.

More than 500 roads are currently blocked, and over 500 power transformers are out of service, plunging large areas into darkness. The resulting shortages of food and water have raised concerns about an impending humanitarian crisis.

Disturbing visuals have emerged online, depicting swollen rivers sweeping away homes and entire villages buried under landslide debris. In Shimla’s Dhalli suburb, a landslide was caught on camera and shared by Doordarshan News Himachal. Another harrowing video from Sirmaur district showed a violent cascade of mud and boulders tearing across a narrow road, with people heard shouting warnings to others to flee.

As Himachal Pradesh continues to battle the fury of the monsoon, rescue teams are racing against time to locate the missing and restore essential services across the state.