Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 17 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday reviewed the situation arising from incessant rainfall in Mandi, Kullu, and Kinnaur districts.
The Chief Minister spoke directly with the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts, seeking detailed reports on the extent of damage and directing them to submit comprehensive assessments to the state government. He instructed district administrations to extend all possible assistance to affected families and ensure swift and effective relief measures.
Sukhu also ordered the expedited restoration of blocked roads and intensification of relief operations. Appealing to the public to stay away from rivers and streams, he urged residents to strictly follow advisories issued by district administrations. Emphasizing citizens’ safety, he assured that the government stands firmly with the people during this difficult time.
Earlier in the day, Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan said plans had been made to manage transport movement amid heavy damage caused by landslides. “There have been a lot of landslides due to heavy rain. A lot of damage has been done to both public and private properties. We will plan the movement of the transports; this will be our target for today,” Devgan stated.
Flash floods were reported at Panarsa, Takoli, and Nagwain along the Mandi-Kullu stretch of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, blocking connectivity at several points and causing major disruption to vehicular movement. No human casualties have been reported so far, according to Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mandi, Sachin Hiremath. Police personnel are maintaining strict vigil at affected sites, while restoration work is underway to reopen the highway.
Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under heavy monsoon rains. According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), the state has recorded 261 deaths between June 20 and August 16, 2025. Of these, 136 were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, floods, flash floods, drowning, electrocution, and house collapses, while 125 lives were lost in road accidents.
Mandi district has been among the worst affected, reporting 26 rain-related deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure. Other severely hit districts include Kangra (28 deaths), Chamba (10), and Kullu (11).
The HPSDMA report highlights total damage worth Rs 2,14,457 lakh to public and private property. Roads, water supply schemes, agriculture, horticulture, and electricity infrastructure have suffered extensively. The Public Works Department alone reported losses exceeding Rs 1.18 lakh crore, while combined agricultural and horticultural losses are estimated at over Rs 83,000 crore.
Road connectivity remains one of the most affected sectors, with frequent blockages on NH-05 (Kinnaur) and NH-305 (Kullu), leaving several interior villages cut off and delaying rescue and relief operations. (ANI)
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