New Delhi: The 2025 monsoon season has brought catastrophic flooding and landslides to northern and central India, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread infrastructure damage. The states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir have been particularly hard hit.
In Uttarakhand, the Alaknanda River, swollen by torrential rains, submerged a 15-foot idol of Lord Shiva in Rudraprayag. Landslides in Uttarkashi blocked the highway to Yamunotri, cutting off access to the popular pilgrimage site for several days. Food shortages were also reported in some villages in the Ghat area of Uttarkashi district.
Himachal Pradesh has experienced the most devastating consequences, with at least 69 deaths reported and the death toll potentially rising. The Mandi district has been particularly affected, with 17 confirmed deaths and 40 people still missing. The relentless rainfall has caused widespread damage, washing away 14 bridges and blocking 500 roads. Drone footage from the state disaster response force revealed the extent of the destruction in Thunag Bazaar in Mandi, which was severely impacted by flash floods and a cloudburst. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing.
Madhya Pradesh has also seen significant flooding, with 20 cities affected and red alerts issued for Mandla, Seoni, and Balaghat districts. Jabalpur has been particularly hard hit, with floodwaters entering homes and submerging roads and railway lines. Tikamgarh received an astonishing six inches of rain in just 24 hours.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the arrival of the monsoon rains, after a prolonged heatwave with record-high night temperatures, has brought relief from the heat but also raised concerns about the potential for flash floods and landslides. Rising water levels in the Dharahli and Sakto rivers in Rajouri have added to these concerns. While a cloudburst in Badgam district caused a rivulet to swell, no loss of life or property has been reported there.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to monitor the situation and issue weather alerts. The ongoing risk of flash floods and landslides remains a significant concern across affected regions. Relief efforts are underway for the affected areas.