On the morning of June 30, 2025, the people of Siyathi village in Mandi district’s Dharampur area were awakened by the continuous barking of a local dog. At first, many ignored it, but the dog didn’t stop. Concerned, some residents stepped out and noticed cracks appearing in the walls and water seeping into their homes due to the heavy monsoon rain. Sensing danger, they alerted others and quickly moved 67 people from 20 families to higher ground. Soon after, a landslide struck and flattened their homes.
The villagers have since shifted to the Naina Devi temple, remaining there for over a week, where many are dealing with health concerns such as elevated blood pressure, anxiety, and depression stemming from the ordeal. Local support networks are offering assistance, and the state government has provided ₹10,000 per affected family as initial relief. A health department unit is also present to offer medical care.
The monsoon season has brought severe destruction to Himachal Pradesh. As per the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), as of July 8, 2025, the death toll of Himachal floods has reached 80, with 52 deaths resulting from rain-induced events like landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, and 28 from road accidents due to hazardous weather. Mandi district has suffered the most, with 17 rain-related fatalities, followed by Kangra with 11. Additionally, 128 individuals have been injured, and about 30 are still missing, especially in Mandi’s Thunag, Gohar, and Karsog areas, where rescue operations utilize drones and sniffer dogs.
The region has experienced 23 flash floods, 19 cloudbursts, and 16 landslides, causing extensive damage. In Mandi, 176 roads remain obstructed, adding to a statewide total of 243 blocked roads. The SDMA notes 320 homes fully destroyed, 38 partially damaged, and over 10,200 livestock and poultry lost. Infrastructure losses are estimated at ₹692.6 crore, affecting 241 water supply systems and 285 electricity transformers.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heavy rain in Una, Hamirpur, Solan, and Sirmaur districts until July 9. In Mandi district, light to moderate rain is expected on July 8 and 9, with chances of heavy rain in some areas on July 8. From July 10 to 12, Mandi may see light rainfall with occasional thunder and lightning, but no major downpours are expected. A flash flood warning remains in place for 10 districts, including Mandi, due to the risk of sudden water flow in small rivers and drains. While rainfall in Mandi has been moderate so far, areas like Aghar and Nagrota Suriyan have seen very heavy rain, enough to flood fields and cause waterlogging on roads. People living in low-lying areas are advised to stay alert and avoid venturing near rivers or streams, as the monsoon conditions remain unpredictable.
The Himachal Pradesh government is actively managing relief operations, with a strong focus on Mandi. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Army are working to restore road access, water supply, and electricity. Relief camps are operational, supplying food and medical aid to those displaced. Public officials have visited to evaluate the situation and organize support.
The timely warning from a village dog in Siyathi underscored the community’s resilience against the monsoon’s impact. As Himachal Pradesh prepares for further rain, the priority remains on rescue, relief, and reconstruction to aid those affected.
