Torrential monsoon rains have unleashed severe flooding and landslides in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, resulting in one confirmed death and at least 12 people missing as of July 1, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert covering 10 districts, including Mandi, Shimla, and Kullu, warning of continued heavy rainfall and flash floods.
Key highways and tunnels, including the Mandi-Manali highway and the Shimla-Kalka railway line, have been blocked or suspended due to landslides and flooding, leaving hundreds stranded.
Rescue operations involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local administration are underway. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to stay indoors and avoid travel until the situation stabilises.
Monsoon Fury Submerges Villages, Strands Hundreds
The relentless downpour over the past 48 hours has caused the Beas River and its tributaries to overflow, submerging entire villages and disrupting daily life across Mandi district. In Karsog’s Megli village, floodwaters breached a stream’s embankment, damaging at least eight homes and washing away nearly two dozen vehicles. Similarly, in Pandoh, a sudden rise in water levels caused a nalah (stream) to flood homes, forcing residents to evacuate in the middle of the night.
Dharampur witnessed the Beas River swelling to nearly 20 feet above its normal level, inundating local markets and bus stands, crippling transport and commerce. A particularly alarming landslide near Hanogi blocked the Mandi-Manali highway tunnels, trapping 250 to 300 people inside.
Rescue teams have been mobilised to clear debris and provide food and medical aid to those stranded. Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan confirmed one fatality in Karsog and reported that 12 to 13 people, mainly from Syanj village, remain missing. He emphasised the urgency of ongoing search and relief operations, highlighting the challenges posed by continuous rainfall.
Infrastructure Breakdown and Precautionary Measures
The heavy rains have severely impacted infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh. More than 250 roads are blocked, including critical routes such as the Chandigarh-Shimla highway and the Mandi-Manali highway, hampering rescue and relief efforts.
The Shimla-Kalka heritage railway line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was temporarily suspended after landslides and uprooted trees damaged the tracks, though services have since resumed following swift restoration. Power outages are widespread, with 614 transformers and 130 water supply schemes reported offline, affecting thousands of households. The Pandoh Dam on the Beas River has released over 1.5 lakh cusecs of water to manage rising reservoir levels, which are nearing the danger mark.
In response to the crisis, schools in Mandi and Hamirpur districts have been closed as a precaution. The IMD has extended its red alert, forecasting continued heavy rainfall and moderate risk of flash floods over the next several days. Authorities have urged the public to avoid rivers, streams, and travel in vulnerable areas, especially tourists visiting hill stations, to ensure safety.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The devastating monsoon impact in Himachal Pradesh underscores the growing vulnerability of our hill regions to climate-induced disasters. While the immediate priority remains rescue and rehabilitation, this crisis also calls for a deeper reflection on sustainable development, climate resilience, and community preparedness.
The Logical Indian stands with the affected families and salutes the dedication of emergency responders working tirelessly under difficult conditions. We believe that fostering a culture of empathy, cooperation, and proactive disaster management is essential to minimise future risks. As citizens, how can we contribute to building more resilient communities and support those impacted by such natural calamities?
