75 dead, 31 missing as monsoon devastates Himachal Pradesh; IMD issues red alert, rescue operations underway

The death toll from the ongoing monsoon devastation in Himachal Pradesh has climbed to 75, with 31 people still reported missing, as search and rescue operations continue in full swing across flood-hit regions.

Torrential rainfall, cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides have battered the hill state since June 20, leaving a trail of destruction in multiple districts, especially Mandi.

In its latest bulletin, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) confirmed 45 rain-related fatalities and 30 accidental deaths linked to road accidents, electrocution, and a gas explosion.

At least 288 people have been injured, while preliminary estimates place total losses at over ₹541 crore due to widespread damage to infrastructure and private property.

Geography hampers relief
Rescue teams are currently focused on Mandi district, where efforts to trace the missing continue despite challenging terrain and poor weather conditions. Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan acknowledged the difficulty in reaching remote villages.

"The main road of Thunag has been made motorable today. A few supply vehicles have also been placed there. Supplies have been sent with the help of mules also... The number of missing people is still 31. We have not found any missing persons. Special forces of around 250 State Disaster Relief Force-NDRF personnel are deployed. The whole administration is working 24*7," Devgan told ANI on Saturday.

Highlighting the larger monsoon timeline, he added, "The relief work is challenging because of the geography. We are trying to reach habitations... this is just the beginning of monsoons. It is about to rain for the next three months. For us, the extra challenge is that we have to conduct the relief, rehabilitation and restoration program during the monsoons. We have full support of the government, providing all resources..."

SDRF, ITBP teams on ground in worst-hit areas
On Saturday, a team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted an outreach visit to Jarode panchayat, distributing relief kits and medical supplies to families in need.

Several villagers received on-site treatment for minor ailments, and information was gathered on unmet needs to be relayed to the district administration.

In Thunag — one of the worst-affected areas — personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have joined relief efforts.

Working alongside the NDRF and local officials, the ITBP is clearing debris, searching for the missing, and assisting displaced families.

CM Sukhu directs ‘war footing’ response
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has instructed Mandi district authorities to operate on a “war footing” to ensure relief reaches all impacted residents.

With continued rainfall expected, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the state, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the weekend.

The SEOC has urged residents in vulnerable zones to remain cautious and comply with evacuation or safety advisories issued by local authorities.

(With inputs from ANI)