Relentless monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh have led to significant destruction, claiming 75 lives over the past two weeks, with 31 people still missing. The disaster has been exacerbated by heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, according to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC).

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Additionally, an orange alert was announced for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Shimla, and Kullu districts, warning of heavy to very heavy showers over the weekend. These alerts underline the serious concerns about the safety of residents and infrastructure amidst severe weather conditions.

The monsoon season arrived in northern India earlier than expected, reaching Himachal Pradesh and surrounding states by late June—a week ahead of its usual timeline. Continuous rainfall has caused widespread destruction not just in Himachal but also in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. In Mandi's Thunag area, cloudbursts caused especially severe damage, obliterating entire sections of the locality.

Rescue teams are actively working to assist the most affected areas. In Mandi’s Thunag region, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities are coordinating debris clearing, locating missing persons, and sheltering displaced families. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the efforts, instructing district officials to accelerate relief delivery to impacted residents.

Out of the 75 fatalities caused by monsoon-related disasters, 45 deaths were due to flash floods and landslides. The remaining casualties were results of accidents, including electrocution and even a gas explosion. These instances emphasize the extensive and often fatal effects of monsoon disturbances across the region.

Beyond Himachal Pradesh, the monsoon activity has affected various states across India: - **Delhi:** Moderate rains and thunderstorms are likely, with maximum temperatures hitting 33°C. - **West Bengal:** Heavy rains predicted in districts such as Purulia, Jhargram, and Paschim Medinipur. - **Jharkhand:** An orange alert is in effect for Simdega, Saraikela-Kharswan, and Singhbhum districts due to heavy rainfall. - **Rajasthan:** Heavy rains continue, including Indargarh recording 144 mm of rainfall within 24 hours.

Jammu & Kashmir experienced record-breaking high temperatures amidst the ongoing monsoon season. Srinagar recorded its hottest day in over 70 years, with temperatures reaching 37.4°C, while Pahalgam also reported an all-time high temperature, showcasing unusual weather patterns for the region.

States like Himachal Pradesh and others impacted by the monsoon remain on high alert due to widespread devastation. Rescue operations and disaster management efforts are being intensified, aiming to provide necessary relief and hope to families affected by the calamity.