Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Toll Rises to 263, Shimla-Mandi Highway Severely Damaged

Shimla, 18 August 2025: The monsoon havoc in Himachal Pradesh has intensified, with the death toll rising to 263 as torrential rains continue to batter the hill state. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), two fresh fatalities were reported yesterday in separate road accidents in Chamba and Kangra districts.

Nearly 397 roads, including three National Highways (NH-03, NH-05, NH-305), remain blocked due to landslides, flash floods, and scouring. The Shimla-Mandi National Highway has been heavily damaged between RD 51/000 and 52/000 by the swollen Satluj River, leaving the road width reduced to just 1.5 metres at RD 51/555. This section has been declared unsafe and closed for all vehicular traffic.

The alternative Thali Bridge route has also sustained damage, leaving no detour available under the Sunni Division of HPPWD. Public utilities have been severely disrupted, with 883 power transformers and 122 water supply schemes currently out of service.

District authorities have ordered the closure of all schools and colleges in Anni subdivision of Kullu and Mandi Sadar subdivision, citing risks from heavy rainfall and landslides.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported extremely heavy rainfall in several areas, with Dhaulakuan receiving 113 mm, Jot 70.8 mm, and Palampur 58.7 mm. Gusty winds of up to 44 km/h were recorded in high-altitude regions. The IMD has forecast more heavy rainfall at isolated places over the coming days, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

Monsoon fury has damaged over 2.17 lakh hectares of crops and caused extensive destruction to roads, houses, electricity, and water supply infrastructure, with estimated losses running into thousands of crores.

Authorities have appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially along vulnerable highways and areas near rivers prone to flash floods.