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Erratic monsoon rains in Himachal kill 20, cause Rs. 380 crores loss so far
Shimla – Triggered by heavy monsoon rains, landslides and flash-floods on the National and State Highways of Himachal Pradesh continue. On Wednesday morning, a huge boulder rolled-down the hill due to a landslide and hit a loaded poultry truck on Manali-Chandigarh National Highway (NH)-21.
Three passengers, who were transporting the supply to Manali, were injured. No causality was reported. However, the collision was so powerful that it had almost pushed the truck off the road but was prevented by another boulder on the edge of the road. Heavy rains continue to lash most parts of Himachal, leading to loss of lives and damage of property worth hundreds of crores.
The rain fall data from August 1 to 7 have received 55 per cent more rain than the common pattern. As per the government assessment, the overall rainfall is deficient by minus 6 per cent but the pattern is very erratic and disastrous which has led to the loss of lives and property in the state.
Damage Assessment
During this monsoon season, so far, landslides, cloudbursts, flash floods etc. have killed over 20 persons including children. In terms of the livestock losses, so far, 124 animals including sheep, goats, cows, buffalos, and horses etc. have died.
Damage to road network including state roads, district roads and rural roads, besides bridges and culverts has been assessed to Rs. 291 crore. Water and irrigation schemes has also sustained a Rs. 80 crore loss. Similarly, three crore loss was reported to the electricity infrastructure. As per the government report, the total loss was assessed to be over Rs. 380 crores.
By August 8, more than 280 roads were damaged and blocked during last week, out of which 200 would be opened. About 740 schemes of IPH were also damaged. By August 8, 540 of these schemes were restored, claimed the government.
As per the Director Horticulture, the apple transportation is smooth and more than 19 lakh apple boxes were already sent to various markets from the state.
Rs. 64 crore had been released to Deputy Commissioners and stakeholders departments such as PWD, IPH, Electricity etc. for immediate restoration work and more funds would be provided on the need basis, said the government.
The losses could cross the current statistics as the Meteorological Department has warned of possible heavy rainfall in next five days with very heavy rains in isolated places.
The Health department has been directed to conduct a special drive for prevention of epidemics and water borne diseases and keep on reviewing any such incidence and take corrective measures immediately.
Directions were given to make response teams (QRT) operational in all the districts.
All hydel power project authorities have been asked to strictly ensure no release of water from reservoirs without prior warning. They have been asked to ensure proper dissemination of warning and alerts at least 24 hours before releasing of water from dams and reservoirs.
It is expected that the government departments will prepare and update the memorandum of losses and sent timely to the Central Government.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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