A series of extreme weather events, including cloudbursts, landslides, and heavy rainfall, have inflicted widespread devastation upon Himachal Pradesh. The region has witnessed three major cloudbursts since July 1, underscoring the escalating intensity of these events, largely attributed to climate change and local anthropogenic factors. Nearby areas such as Sainj, Kasauli, Parwanoo, and Rohru have also been impacted by flash floods resulting from localized cloudbursts.
Unusually heavy rainfall has battered the region, with Himachal Pradesh receiving an average of 249.6 mm of rainfall between July 1 and July 11, far surpassing the normal average of 76.6 mm. The excess precipitation has caused major rivers, including the Beas, to overflow, wreaking havoc on critical infrastructure such as bridges and highways.
Landslides have been a significant concern, with nearly 100 reported between Mandi and Manali since July 1 and over 60 along the Shimla-Chandigarh highway during the same period. Consequently, road closures and disruptions to transportation have severely impacted the region. Water supply schemes have also suffered damage, leaving numerous areas without access to clean water, while power outages have affected large portions of the state.
Experts attribute the escalating frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events to unregulated infrastructure development, deforestation, and the warming of the hills due to anthropogenic activities. The Himachal Pradesh government acknowledges the need to adapt to these changing climatic conditions and is working towards restoring essential services and addressing the extensive damage inflicted by the disaster.