Death Toll Rises to 78 During Monsoon Season in Himachal Pradesh
In the recent monsoon season of 2025, Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with a series of devastating disasters. The period from June 20 to early July has seen a significant increase in casualties, with the death toll continuing to rise.
Different sources provide varying figures for the number of lives lost during this period, likely due to the ongoing rescue operations and the rapid increase in casualties. According to reports, the death toll ranges from 37 to 78, with the latest official figure (as of July 7) standing at 78[2].
On July 4, 2025, NDTV Profit reported 43 confirmed deaths, with significant increases possible as rescue operations continue[1]. The Federal reported 37 lives lost due to incessant rains[3], while IAS Mania cited up to 63 dead, with dozens still missing[5]. India Weather Highlights reported 78 people have lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh since the onset of the monsoon on June 20[2].
The deaths have been primarily attributed to road accidents (28 fatalities), drowning (8 deaths), and electrocution and accidental falls (8 deaths). Flash floods have claimed 14 lives, while landslides, cloudbursts, and other rain-related incidents have led to 50 deaths in total.
The monsoon disasters have also affected the state's infrastructure, disrupting health and education facilities. Over 278 water supply schemes have been affected, and 285 power transformers have been damaged[2]. The total loss to public and private property due to the monsoon disasters is estimated to be over Rs 57 crore.
The SDMA data indicates that 269 roads have been blocked due to monsoon-triggered incidents, making rescue and relief efforts more challenging. Search and rescue operations are still underway, particularly in parts of Mandi and Kullu, where the highest number of rain-related deaths (17) have been reported[2].
Chamba district reported 3 rain-related deaths, the highest number of road accident fatalities at 6, and significant crop losses. Kangra district reported 11 rain-related deaths, while Shimla district reported 3[2]. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed across critical regions to aid in the rescue and relief efforts.
As the monsoon season continues, the SDMA urges residents to stay alert, as rainfall activity remains active across the state. The cumulative toll due to monsoon-related disasters in Himachal Pradesh stands at 78 as of July 6, a stark reminder of the devastating impact of these disasters.
In the face of these monsoon disasters in Himachal Pradesh, the focus of environmental-science researchers may shift towards understanding the impact of climate-change on the region's weather patterns and weather-forecasting accuracy. As the death toll from weather-related incidents reaches 78, it is crucial to prioritize prevention and adaptive measures in the future to mitigate such environmental catastrophes.
