Himachal Pradesh grappled with one of its worst monsoon episodes in recent memory. Torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods across the state, with the districts of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi, and Kullu suffering the most severe damage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued “red alerts” for Kangra, Chamba, and Lahaul-Spiti, while nearby districts like Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, Mandi, Kullu, and Shimla were placed on “orange alert.” In Kullu, the Beas river surged with such force that it washed away a multi-storey hotel and several shops in Manali. Nearby, floodwaters inundated neighborhoods and blocked key stretches of the Manali-Leh highway. Mandi experienced catastrophic infrastructure loss when two buildings housing over 40 shops collapsed in Balichowki; fortunately, no casualties occurred as the buildings had been evacuated in advance. Similar scenes of devastation were reported from Chamba district, where mountainsides gave way, flooding roads and villages. Kanvi, in Kinnaur district, saw flash floods disrupt daily life as well.
The relentless rain forced district administrations in Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, Banjar (Kullu), and Shimla to shut all educational institutions for the day as a precaution. The widespread damage stretched disaster response capacity, with blocked highways, disrupted power lines, and damaged water supply networks further compounding the crisis. Facing extraordinary rainfall and widespread disruption, the Himachal Pradesh government—led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu—activated a series of emergency protocols on August 26, 2025. The administration was put on high alert, and all schools, colleges, and public institutions in the districts most affected by the floods and landslides were closed to safeguard students and staff.Special advisories were issued, warning against travel in river valleys, landslide-prone zones, and flooded streets. The Chief Minister personally appealed to citizens to follow safety instructions, avoid dangerous areas, and remain vigilant as new weather systems approached. Emergency response teams cleared debris, restored disrupted essential services, and coordinated the delivery of aid to stranded residents. In Chamba, the annual Manimahesh Yatra pilgrimage was suspended, and stranded pilgrims received shelter, food, and medical attention. Law enforcement and disaster management authorities intensified patrols in hazardous zones, preventing civilians from venturing into life-threatening conditions. The Chief Minister assured the public that the administration was working “with full commitment” on rescue and relief, emphasizing unity and compassion in the face of adversity. Citing the “testing time” Himachal was going through, he stressed that, with prudence and solidarity, the state would overcome the disaster.The government signaled readiness for continued intervention and sought additional support from central agencies, aiming to accelerate the restoration of roads, power, and water services. Transparent communication and community engagement were central to the response, as countless families depended on timely aid and clear information for their safety and survival.
