Devastating Floods and Landslides in Himachal Amid Continuous Rainfall, At Least 63 Dead

Himachal faces a major disaster as continuous heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides have left at least 63 people dead. The ongoing calamity has caused damage worth hundreds of crores of rupees.Additionally, more than 500 roads in the state have been closed. Thousands of people are suffering from shortages of electricity and water. This information was reported by Indian news outlet NDTV on Friday (July 4).According to the report, relentless downpours in India’s Himachal Pradesh have triggered cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, killing 63 people so far. Many more are still missing. The government has stated that damages amount to around 4 billion rupees, but the actual losses could be much higher.In light of the situation, authorities have issued heavy rain warnings for all districts in the state until Monday, July 7. The worst-hit district is Mandi, where 17 people have died and at least 40 are missing.Other affected districts include Kangra (13 dead), Chamba (6), Shimla (5), along with fatalities reported from Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una. Across the state, more than 100 people have been injured, over 100 houses destroyed, and 14 bridges washed away.D.C. Rana, Special Secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority, said, “Our system has already recorded losses worth 4 billion rupees. However, actual damages will be higher. Right now, we are focusing on saving lives, conducting rescue operations, and rebuilding.”He added that it will take time to assess the full extent of the damages.Meanwhile, over 500 roads in the state have been blocked, and more than 500 power transformers have been rendered nonfunctional, leaving thousands of people without electricity and water. Food shortages have also emerged, raising fears of a humanitarian crisis.According to NDTV, besides the 63 human fatalities, nearly 300 livestock animals have also died in the floods and landslides, including 164 cows. Several videos circulating on social media show terrifying scenes of rivers in spate and muddy torrents sweeping away entire villages and homes.Some videos show people desperately trying to survive by navigating through the debris of collapsed hillsides. Rescue efforts are underway, but continued heavy rain is making the situation even more dangerous.