Himachal Rains Kill 200; More Rain Forecast

The heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has caused a havoc across the state by claiming lives of nearly 200 people since the onset of monsoon in June. The rains have led to closure of about 300 schools, with the IMD predicting

continuous downpour until August 12.

At least 199 people have died in Himachal till August 6, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), a department under the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), reported news agency ANI.

From these, about 108 people have died due to direct rain-related incidents such as flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides, whereas 91 have died in road accidents, between June 20 and August 6.

300 schools closed due to rains

Heavy rains in Himachal has also

affected at least 300 educational institutions, prompting the government to announce monsoon holidays.

Read more: Weather update: Orange alert in these states; light rains expected in Mumbai

HP Education Minister Rohit Thakur told ANI that monsoon holiday would commence in some areas of the state as the weather conditions have hindered children to reach the schools safely.

"In some places, the monsoon holiday will begin. Last year, we decided that our district administration can fully make decisions at their level. It

is difficult for children to reach school, so at the local level, they can take their holidays," Thakur said.

"Several subdivisions of Mandi and Shimla have declared holidays. More than 300 of our educational institutions have been affected," he added.

#WATCH | Shimla | On the announcement of school closures for monsoon holidays, Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur says, "In some places, the monsoon holiday will begin. Last year, we decided that our district administration can fully make decisions at their… pic.twitter.com/JXTk0TdtdQ

— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2025

The heavy rainfall across Himachal has affected the daily life of the citizens while claiming many human lives along with causing damages to infrastructure and essential water supplies.

Roads blocked, power shortage, damage of nearly ₹2,000 crore

As of Thursday (August 7) morning, about 493 roads are blocked with over 1,120 electricity transformers being disrupted leading to shortage of power supply in the state, according to the SEOC.

About 245 fresh water supply schemes have also been affected because of the flash floods and heavy downpour. Kullu, Mandi and Solan districts have reported major disruptions.

The estimates of the infrastructure damage by the rains has increased to about ₹1,905 crore, as per SEOC. These include estimates to damage

of roads, power infra, schools and housing across Himachal.

Read more: The breathtaking moment African wildebeest started their annual 'Great Migration'

IMD predicts continuous rains till August 12 

The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Shimla Regional Centre has predicted heavy rainfall at isolated places in the state for next seven days.

The weather agency has issued a warning for thunderstorms and lightning for next three days across the state, as per the weather bulletin released by the department.

IMD's senior scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma told ANI that light to moderate rain will occur in some areas of Himachal's plain districts on August 7 and 8.

"Heavy rain may occur at one or two places in Sirmaur, Solan, followed by Shimla and Kangra districts. The rainy season will continue until August 12. After August 9, the weather is likely to intensify again, with rain expected to continue across the entire state from August 9 to 12," he was quoted as saying by ANI.

#WATCH | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh | IMD Senior Scientist, Sandeep Kumar Sharma said, "...Light to moderate rain will occur in some areas of our plain districts from August 6-8... On August 7 and 8, heavy rain may occur at one or two places in Sirmaur, Solan, followed by Shimla… pic.twitter.com/IPOir1LDYg

— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2025