Himachal Pradesh has faced a series of devastating cloudbursts in 2025, leaving behind loss of life, property damage, and economic setbacks. From June to mid-September, the state recorded multiple incidents across Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Bilaspur districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a cloudburst as rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters in one hour over a small area. Such events often trigger flash floods and landslides, which are especially destructive in the fragile Himalayan terrain.
Major Cloudburst Events in Himachal, 2025
| Date | District/Location | Key Impacts | Casualties / Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 25–26 | Kangra (Manuni Khad, Dharamshala); Kullu (Banjar, Gadsa, Manikaran, Sainj) | Flash floods destroyed homes, roads, bridges; Jiwa hydro project damaged; Parvati River overflowed | 2 dead, 20–23 missing (mostly workers) |
| July 1–3 | Mandi (Karsog, Gohar, Thunag, Seraj Valley, Dharmpur, Mandi Sadar, Nachan, Saraj); nearby districts | 10 cloudbursts, 3 flash floods, 1 landslip; Beas and Suketi rivers in spate; 300+ roads blocked; major power disruption | 13 dead, 29 missing; part of 51 deaths statewide by July 2 |
| Aug 13 | Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu (Bathad village, Banjar), Kinnaur (Rishi Dogri Valley, Hojis Lungpa Nala) | Flash floods washed away 2 small bridges and 300+ roads, including 2 national highways; homes and shops destroyed; rescues by Army and NDRF | No confirmed deaths; several stranded and injured |
| Aug 26 | Kullu (Manali) | Beas River overflowed; shops, homes, multi-storey hotel swept away; roads cut off; part of wider Himalayan flooding | Included in 10 deaths across hill states (specific local toll not isolated) |
| Sep 13 | Bilaspur (Gutrahan village, Namhol area, Naina Devi constituency) | Vehicles buried under debris; orchards and farmland destroyed; hailstorm worsened damage; 577 roads and 953 power transformers disrupted statewide | No casualties |
218 deaths reported to rain-related incidents
By mid-September, the state had recorded 218 deaths linked to rain-related incidents. Kangra reported the highest toll with 55 lives lost. Economic losses have been estimated at more than ₹4,465 crore. Homes, crops, power projects, and key highways have been severely affected.
Rescue and relief operations have involved the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army, and local authorities. Efforts to restore connectivity and provide aid continue across districts.
Experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather in the Himalayas. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to sudden heavy downpours. Deforestation and unregulated construction may also be worsening the impact.
With the monsoon nearing its end, the state is now focused on rehabilitation. Thousands remain displaced, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure will take months.
For many residents, the scars are both personal and financial. As Himachal Pradesh recovers, the memory of the 2025 cloudbursts stands as a harsh reminder of the vulnerability of mountain communities to extreme weather.
Support us to keep independent environmental journalism alive in India.
Keep Reading
Small Wild Cats in Big Trouble: India’s First National Report Released
He Left the City to Farm, But Tigers Made the Fields His Biggest Risk
Stay connected with Ground Report for underreported environmental stories.
Follow us onX, Instagram, and Facebook; share your thoughts at greport2018@gmail.com; subscribe to our weekly newsletter for deep dives from the margins; join our WhatsApp community for real-time updates; and catch our video reports on YouTube.
Your support amplifies voices too often overlooked, thank you for being part of the movement.
