Rain fury: Mandi dist worst hit, losses estimated at Rs 1,500 crore

Former Minister and Senior Congress leader Kaul Singh Thakur said the recent spell of torrential rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has left a trail of devastation, with Mandi district emerging as the worst affected. The catastrophic damage across the state has caused widespread fear, displacement and destruction, with estimated losses climbing to Rs 1,500 crore alone in Mandi, according to preliminary government assessments.

Addressing the press conference here today, Thakur painted a grim picture of the disaster’s aftermath. He confirmed that 52 lives have been lost due to rain-related incidents in Mandi, of which 29 persons remain missing. Several families have been rendered homeless as homes were either buried under landslides or left precariously hanging, standing on single pillars and no longer safe for habitation.

Thakur said in response to the massive destruction, the state government has announced a compensation package. Families whose homes have been completely destroyed will receive Rs 7 lakh, while those with partially damaged homes will be granted Rs1 lakh in aid. However, concerns remain over the speed and adequacy of relief reaching remote and severely hit areas.

Kaul Singh Thakur said: “In my lifetime, I have never witnessed rainfall this devastating in Himachal. Entire communities have been uprooted.” He also voiced concern over the collapse of essential infrastructure, including Mandi’s water supply systems, damaged four-lane highways and the extensive harm to departments such as the Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti Department and the HP State Electricity Board.

“Taking note of the crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the state to assess the damage first-hand. Following his visit, the Central Government announced Rs 1,500 crore in relief aid. Assessment teams from the Centre are still on the ground, evaluating the extent of damage, which may lead to further financial assistance being announced soon,” he added.

On the political front, Thakur also highlighted the organisational disarray within the Himachal Pradesh Congress unit. “Apart from the president, there are no office-bearers even at the block level. With panchayat elections approaching, our grassroots workers are in a state of confusion,” he said. Thakur urged the Congress high command to urgently appoint a full state executive to enable active participation in the upcoming elections.