Himachal Pradesh received 39% more rainfall than normal during the monsoon season from June 1 to September 30, the state meteorological office said. The hill state recorded 1,022.5 mm of rain, compared to the usual 734.4 mm. This is the highest monsoon rainfall in 29 years and the 15th-highest in the last 125 years. The heaviest recorded monsoon in the state was 1,314.6 mm in 1922.
The heavy rains caused widespread damage. The state suffered losses worth over Rs 4,881 crore. There were 47 cloudbursts, 98 flash floods, and 148 major landslides, which killed 454 people—264 in rain-related incidents and 190 in road accidents. Another 498 people were injured, and 50 are still missing. Around 9,230 houses were partially or fully damaged, and many roads and bridges were destroyed.
The southwest monsoon entered the state on June 20 and withdrew on September 26. Historically, the earliest monsoon arrival was June 9, 2000, and the latest was July 5, 2010. The earliest withdrawal was September 18, 2001, and the latest was October 11, 2019.
Monthly rainfall showed unusual patterns. June received 34% excess rain, August 68%, and September 71%. Only July had a slight 2% deficit. Very heavy rain fell on 36 days: four in June, eight in July, 15 in August, and nine in September. This caused landslides and floods in districts like Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and Kangra, isolating villages and disrupting transport.
Authorities, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), set up relief camps and evacuated people from flood-prone areas. Despite these efforts, many families lost homes, livestock, and crops. Agricultural lands were heavily damaged, causing severe losses for farmers.
Experts said the intense rainfall was due to changing monsoon patterns and low-pressure systems over the Himalayas. The state government has announced financial aid, house reconstruction, and infrastructure repair for affected areas.
The MeT office has warned of continuing risks, including flash floods and landslides, especially in hilly and low-lying areas. Residents are advised to remain cautious until conditions improve.
