TNR News Network
SHIMLA: The *death toll from the devastating cloudbursts and subsequent flashfloods in Himachal Pradesh has climbed to 19, with Mandi district alone reporting 56 persons missing, most of them from the Seraj region.
The widespread destruction, triggered by heavy rains and landslides since Monday night, has left hundreds of homes, roads and infrastructure in ruins. Over 370 persons were rescued.
Among the 56 missing in Mandi, 46 are from Seraj, with specific areas like Thunag (16 missing), Pakhrair (18), Jarol (7), Chiuṇi (4) and Pandavshila (1) bearing the brunt. Fatalities include eight in Thunag, six in Gohar and one each in Karsog, Jogindernagar and Nadaun.
Local officials confirmed that roads in Thunag and Janjehli subdivisions have been washed away, severely hampering rescue operations. The NDRF, SDRF and district administration teams are on the ground conducting relief and rescue work amid challenging weather conditions.
CM seeks Air Force help as damage escalates
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas in Mandi and has formally requested assistance from the Indian Air Force for ongoing rescue and disaster relief efforts.
According to government data, 148 homes, 104 cattle sheds, 14 bridges and 31 vehicles have been destroyed in Mandi alone. More than 100 roads across the state remain blocked due to landslides.
In Kullu’s Banjar Valley, around 250 tourists were safely evacuated. Widespread damage has also affected 918 power transformers and 683 water supply schemes, severely disrupting daily life in several regions.
Orange alert issued for week; rain to continue till July 9
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a week-long heavy rainfall alert across Himachal, with a yellow alert in place for July 3 and 4, followed by an orange alert from July 5 to 9. Citizens have been urged to stay away from rivers, landslide-prone areas, and to plan travel only after checking weather updates.
Rainfall in the past 24 hours includes 133.3 mm in Pachhad, 92.0 mm in Mehre Barsar, 59.4 mm in Jubbarhatti, and significant amounts in Una, Baijnath, Nahan, Kangra, and other areas.
Meanwhile, a major landslide on the Manali-Leh highway near the first snow gallery has blocked traffic following a cloudburst. The Border Roads Organisation has been directed to restore movement on the vital route.
Irrigation, water projects suffer Rs 240 crore loss
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri reported that 3,698 water-related infrastructure projects have been damaged across the state, including 2,786 drinking water, 733 irrigation, and 41 sewerage projects. The estimated loss so far stands at Rs 240 crore.
Emergency restoration work is underway, and 1,591 water supply schemes have been temporarily restored on priority.
Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 63 deaths while 40 persons are missing. The overall damage is estimated at Rs 407 crore, including 26 deaths in road accidents linked to weather-related incidents.
