Outlook Planet Desk
Since late June, Himachal Pradesh has been battered by relentless monsoon rains, claiming over 300 lives. Landslides and flash floods killed 166 people directly, while another 154 died in rain-related road accidents. Around 379 others have been injured, leaving families and communities reeling from the devastation.
Heavy rains have destroyed more than 1,280 houses and damaged dozens of shops and factories. Nearly 35,240 animals have died, and the financial loss is estimated to exceed ₹3 lakh crore, affecting livelihoods and agriculture.
Shimla district faced devastating landslides over the past 24 hours, claiming multiple lives and destroying homes. Several residents lost their lives, while livestock perished, highlighting the severe human and animal toll caused by extreme monsoon conditions in the region.
In Rohru, landslides forced several families to leave their homes for safety. Livestock were trapped as cowsheds collapsed. Officials have urged people living in vulnerable areas to stay alert, warning that heavy rains are continuing and the hilly terrain remains extremely hazardous.
More than 600 roads, including key national highways, remain blocked by landslides and flash floods, cutting off access to many areas. Farmers in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti are also struggling to transport apples, as traders are unable to reach orchards.
Roadblocks have put farmers at risk of huge losses, as peak harvests cannot reach markets on time, and transport delays worsen the already heavy economic impact of monsoon damage on local agriculture.
Meanwhile, landslides also disrupted the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district, resulting in 16 deaths among devotees. Disaster teams, volunteers, and police safely escorted thousands of pilgrims, ensuring their protection amid continuing hazards.
Himachal Pradesh recorded 440.8mm of rainfall in August, which is 72% above the seasonal average. Una received the heaviest rain at 823.6mm, followed by Kangra (816.2mm) and Mandi (681.5mm). The Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued red and orange alerts for 1–2 September.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed officials to strengthen rescue efforts. Schools in Kullu, Kangra, and Shimla will remain closed for two days, while authorities continue evacuations, relief work, and safety monitoring to manage the human and economic toll of the monsoon.