Flash Floods Paralyse Himachal Pradesh; Rescue Ops in Full Swing

August 17, 2025

Himachal Pradesh has been hit hard by a fresh wave of flash floods triggered by intense cloudbursts and heavy rainfall. The worst-affected districts include Kullu, Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, and Kinnaur, where roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure have been severely damaged.

As of August 17, over 325 roads, including key national highways (NH-305 & NH-505), remain blocked. In Mandi district alone, 179 roads are shut, while Kullu has reported 71 closures. Several bridges have been washed away, cutting off access to remote villages. The state government has reported estimated damages exceeding ₹2,000 crore.

Rescue and relief operations are ongoing with the combined efforts of the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities. A high-altitude night rescue was successfully conducted in Kinnaur’s Rishi Dogri Valley, saving stranded civilians.

The monsoon toll this year has been devastating, with 199 lives lost and over 300 injured due to flash floods, landslides, electrocution, and drowning. In addition, more than 1,100 power transformers and 245 water supply schemes have been disrupted, leaving many households without basic utilities.

The state government has announced ₹100 crore for immediate disaster relief and ₹3,000 crore for livelihood restoration projects. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has issued yellow and orange alerts for several districts, warning of continued heavy rainfall and possible landslides.

Himachal Pradesh continues to battle nature’s fury, with thousands displaced and critical infrastructure crippled. The coming days will be crucial as the state braces for more rainfall.