Himachal Pradesh is facing severe disruption after days of heavy rainfall triggered widespread landslides and flash floods. The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) reported that as of September 18, 2025, 564 roads remain blocked, 525 power distribution transformers are out of order, and 281 water supply schemes have collapsed. These disruptions have left large parts of the state cut off from essential services, with rural villages and towns worst affected. Rescue operations are continuing, but many areas remain inaccessible due to the damage.
Rising Death Toll During Monsoon
The monsoon has turned deadly for the hill state, with the cumulative death toll climbing to 419 since the season began. Out of these, 237 people lost their lives in landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods, while 182 deaths were linked to road accidents caused by slippery roads and poor visibility. Authorities confirmed that this year’s toll is among the highest in recent years. In recognition of the scale of destruction, Himachal Pradesh has officially declared itself a disaster-affected state under the Disaster Management Act, which allows quicker access to funds and central assistance.
Roads Cut Off in Key Districts
Transportation has been hit hardest, with 564 roads across Himachal Pradesh rendered unusable. This includes two crucial National Highways, NH-03 and NH-503A, which connect several districts to the rest of the state and the country. District-wise figures highlight the gravity of the situation — Mandi is the worst affected with 203 blocked roads, Kullu follows with 155, and Shimla is dealing with 50 closures. With roads blocked, supply of food, medicines, and relief material has slowed down, and many villages remain completely cut off. Officials are working to clear debris, but constant rainfall is hampering the efforts.
Power Supply Disruptions
Electricity services have also collapsed in several regions. The HPSDMA reported that 525 power distribution transformers (DTRs) have been damaged or disconnected, leading to long power cuts in both towns and villages. Mandi district once again bears the heaviest burden, with 327 transformers out of service. Kullu has reported 23 damaged transformers, while Kangra is dealing with 34. The lack of power has hit hospitals, schools, and small businesses hard, forcing many to rely on generators where available. Engineers are working round the clock to restore services, but repeated landslides are making repair work extremely risky.
Water Supply Schemes Crippled
The crisis extends to water supply as well. A total of 281 water supply schemes have been knocked out, creating serious shortages across the state. Mandi alone accounts for 180 of these, while Shimla, the state capital, has reported 38 disruptions, and Chamba is struggling with 20. The breakdown of these schemes means that thousands of households are now dependent on water tankers and temporary supply arrangements. Health officials have warned of the increased risk of waterborne diseases as safe drinking water becomes scarce in many rural and semi-urban pockets.
Heavy Losses to Property and Infrastructure
The economic impact of the monsoon is staggering. According to official figures, the total estimated loss to public property stands at Rs 4,59,536.54 lakhs. Government departments have reported extensive damage to infrastructure. The Public Works Department (PWD) alone has suffered losses worth Rs 1,41,387.8 lakhs due to washed-out bridges, damaged highways, and collapsed retaining walls. The Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV) has reported losses of Rs 13,946.69 lakhs, while the Power Department has assessed damages worth Rs 2,045.05 lakhs.
The destruction of homes has been equally tragic. At least 583 pucca houses and 1,676 kutcha houses have been partially damaged, leaving families struggling to repair their shelters. In addition, 934 pucca houses and 2,150 kutcha houses have been completely destroyed, forcing thousands of residents to move into temporary relief camps. Officials say rehabilitation will take months, if not years, given the scale of destruction.
Himachal Battles Monsoon Disaster
Himachal Pradesh is currently facing one of the worst monsoon disasters in recent memory. With hundreds of lives lost, critical infrastructure destroyed, and basic services paralysed, the state is in deep crisis. Relief and recovery operations are being carried out by local authorities, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and volunteers, but continuous rainfall is slowing down progress. The state government has appealed to the Centre for additional assistance, highlighting the urgent need for funds, manpower, and equipment to rebuild lives and restore normalcy. For now, Himachal remains on high alert, bracing for further challenges as the monsoon season continues.
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