Himachal Pradesh is facing severe devastation due to relentless rainfall. The downpour has already claimed over 37 lives, while rescue teams continue to search for the missing.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority, the damage to public and private property has crossed ₹400 crore. Officials fear the actual loss could be much higher.

Mandi District Suffers the Most

Among all the districts, Mandi has been hit the hardest. In particular, the Thunag subdivision remains in chaos. Roads are blocked, and critical services like electricity and water supply have been badly affected.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, DC Rana, Special Secretary of the Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Department, said:
"We have recorded over ₹400 crore in losses so far, as entered in our system. But the actual damage is likely to be much higher. Our primary focus at the moment is on search, rescue, and restoration."

Dozens Missing, Villages Wiped Out

In Mandi alone, 40 people are still missing. A village has been completely devastated, confirmed Rana. Relief efforts are underway. The Indian Air Force has dropped food packets in the worst-affected areas.

Teams of engineers from the PWD, Electricity Board, and Jal Shakti Department are working with senior officials to restore essential services.

Death Toll and Infrastructure Damage

So far, 37 people have died in rain-related incidents. Additionally, 26 others lost their lives in road accidents during the same period.

Across the state:

• Over 250 roads are still blocked

• More than 500 electricity transformers are non-functional

• Around 700 drinking water schemes have been disrupted

Officials Blame Climate Change

DC Rana also pointed to environmental issues, saying, “These events are a consequence of global warming and climate change. Himachal is not untouched by these impacts.”

Shimla Schools in Chaos

In Shimla, the heavy rain has turned everyday life upside down. Schools are flooded, and students are struggling.

A student, Tanuja Thakur, shared her experience with ANI, "It's raining heavily. Water is entering our classrooms, our clothes and books are soaked. Our teachers are telling us it's better to stay at home."
She added, "Our school is surrounded by trees. There is always a fear that a tree could fall. Thankfully, we are safe for now."

Relief Teams in Action

Rescue operations are ongoing. A coordinated force made up of the local administration, police, Home Guards, SDRF, and central teams like the NDRF is leading the mission.

Meanwhile, authorities remain on high alert, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued heavy rainfall until July 7.