Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh results in the deaths of multiple individuals – DW – April 7, 2025

Prolonged, intense rainfall has resulted in 37 fatalities, according to officials from India’s Himachal Pradesh state, as reported on Friday. Additionally, 26 more deaths occurred due to road accidents, as covered by the Indian daily Hindustan Times.
The northern state situated in the western Himalayas has experienced torrential rains and cloud bursting since the previous week, leading to damage to homes, vehicles, and other properties.
“Due to heavy rains, cloudbursts, and landslides in the region, daily life has been disrupted in several areas, including Thunaag and Janjheli in Mandi district. Relief and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing in these affected areas,” stated Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on X.

Rainfall Anticipated Until July 7

Mandi district has been the most severely impacted, with 40 individuals currently reported missing.
“It’s raining incredibly hard. The classrooms are flooded; our clothes and books are wet. Our teachers are advising us to stay home,” said Tanuja Thakur, a student from the state capital Shimla, in an interview with the ANI news agency.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects these conditions to persist and issued a rainfall alert for the state until July 7.
“We have documented losses exceeding 400 crore ($46 million or € 39 million) entered in our system. However, the actual extent of the damage is expected to be much higher. Our primary focus is on search, rescue, and restoration efforts,” DC Rana, Special Secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Department, told reporters on Wednesday.
Several state roads are impassable, and electricity and water supplies have been disrupted.
“These events are a consequence of global warming and climate change. Himachal Pradesh is not unaffected by these impacts,” added Rana.

Edited by: Kieran Burke