'It's All Gone': Himachal Cooperative Bank Destroyed In Flash Floods As Death Toll Rises To 78
Flash floods in Himachal destroy a key bank, leave 78 dead as monsoon chaos spreads. Red alerts issued in multiple districts; more rain, landslides expected.
What began as a trusted place for safekeeping has now turned into a site of despair. The Himachal Cooperative Bank in Thunag, once a financial lifeline for thousands, now lies in shambles—its first floor gutted by fierce flash floods that ripped through the region. For locals who had entrusted their life savings and precious jewellery to the bank, the destruction is not just financial—it's deeply personal.
“It’s all gone,” said Hari Mohan, a local trader. “The cash, documents, lockers—everything is buried under rubble and water.” His voice echoes the anguish of a town of 8,000 residents, many of whom depended solely on this now-crippled financial institution.
Nature’s Fury Unleashed Across Himachal
As of July 6, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a staggering 23 flash floods, 19 cloudburst events, and 16 landslides since the monsoon began on June 20. The death toll has climbed to 78, with rain-related incidents accounting for 50 of those lives, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
The disasters haven’t spared anyone. Among the rain-related fatalities:
- 14 died in flash floods
- 8 drowned
- 8 lost their lives due to electrocution and accidental falls
- Others succumbed to landslides, lightning, and even snake bites
Tragically, 28 others died in road accidents during the same period. At least 37 individuals remain missing, while 115 have been reported injured.
Widespread Damage
In the worst-hit district of Mandi, where Thunag is located, the damage is particularly severe. Debris and muddy waters have swallowed up much of the infrastructure. The Himachal Cooperative Bank, critical to the community’s daily transactions, now stands unusable. With valuables washed away and some reportedly looted, residents have started guarding the site around the clock to prevent theft.
The ripple effect of the monsoon chaos has been immense:
- 243 roads remain blocked, including two national highways
- 278 power transformers are out of service
- 261 water supply projects have come to a grinding halt
More Rain Ahead: IMD Issues Red and Orange Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of “very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls” across Himachal today. The forecast continues to look grim for July 8 and 9, with more heavy rain expected.
A red alert has been issued for Sirmaur, Kangra, and Mandi districts. Meanwhile, an orange alert is in place for seven others, including Shimla, Solan, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una, Kullu, and Chamba.
Uttarakhand on Edge: Landslide Alerts in Four Districts
The neighboring state of Uttarakhand is also bracing for impact. The Geological Survey of India has issued a landslide warning for Tehri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli districts. Specific regions such as Chamoli, Ukhimath, Ghansali, Narendra Nagar, Dhanaulti, Dunda, and Chinyalisaur are expected to be at high risk on July 7 and 8.
In response, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) has placed all administrative and disaster response units on high alert. Instructions have been issued for:
- Full-time deployment of district magistrates, police, and disaster response teams
- Constant readiness of equipment like JCBs, Pokland machines, and wireless sets
- Restricting tourist and public movement in high-altitude and vulnerable zones
- Ensuring officials remain on-site and reachable 24/7 over the next 48 hours
A Long Road to Recovery
As skies remain ominous and more rain looms, communities across Himachal and Uttarakhand face an uncertain future. For families mourning loved ones, and residents watching their homes, savings, and towns wash away, the monsoon has become a season of heartbreak.
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