Himachal Pradesh Faces Heavy Monsoon Fury: Landslides, Floods, and Tragic Losses
Himachal Pradesh is reeling from one of its worst monsoons yet, with rainfall soaring over 46% above normal levels. The state has already received 1,010 mm of rain by mid-September—way more than the usual 692 mm for this period and even exceeding the entire monsoon average of 734 mm. This relentless downpour triggered landslides, flash floods, and building collapses on Tuesday, leaving communities in distress.
In a heartbreaking incident in Mandi district, three family members lost their lives when their house collapsed in Nihri village. Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan confirmed that rescuers recovered the three bodies and saved two others from the debris. The state capital Shimla also saw multiple landslips and cave-ins near multi-story housing complexes, adding to the chaos.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu jumped into action, reviewing the flood-hit areas and overseeing rescue operations across disaster zones. He expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, saying, "The government stands with the grieving families in this tough time." He ordered the Mandi administration to extend every possible help to the victims’ relatives.
During a high-level virtual meeting, Sukhu checked in with Deputy Commissioners from affected regions. He urged them to act fast—shifting people from risky buildings to safe spots, restoring damaged roads and water supply systems on priority, and ensuring essential supplies reach everyone. "We must avoid any more tragedies and support those in need," he stressed.
Speaking to the media later, the Chief Minister didn’t hold back on his frustration with the central government’s response. He pointed out that visits by Union ministers seem more about politics than real aid. "They should announce relief packages from their ministries," Sukhu said. He called on BJP leaders to push Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a special financial package without delay, so affected families get timely help.
Sukhu highlighted the funding gaps: The state got just Rs 400 crore out of the promised Rs 1,500 crore for 2023 disasters. Plus, another Rs 1,500 crore was announced this year for rain-hit families, but it’s unclear if that’s a special package or just scheme-based aid. Despite limited resources, the state government is racing to provide relief, fix roads, irrigation, and water schemes, and support people on a war footing.
This year’s monsoon has hit harder than 2023, with damages estimated at Rs 20,000 crore over the last three years from various natural calamities. The retreating rains have wrecked lives, infrastructure like electricity and roads, and private properties across Himachal Pradesh. Sukhu called it a stark sign of climate change’s growing impact.
Adding to the woes, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri visited Dharampur in Mandi, where floods caused over Rs 6 crore in losses to Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses. Raging waters flooded the bus stand, washing away vehicles and damaging shops, houses, and parked cars.
As rescue efforts continue, Himachal Pradesh braces for more challenges from this extreme weather. Stay tuned for updates on monsoon disasters and relief measures in the state.
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