Rana reported 164 rain-related deaths in 2025, 40 missing, and 153 road fatalities. Heavy rainfall in August caused Rs 2,700 crore damage across Himachal
Shimla
At least ten pilgrims died, four remain missing, and seven were injured as heavy rains disrupted the annual Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Saturday. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported that landslides and adverse weather severely affected the pilgrimage.
DC Rana, Special Secretary of SDMA, said rescue operations are ongoing with the help of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local mountain teams. About 6,000 pilgrims have been rescued and shifted to Chamba, while helicopters evacuated the sick and physically weak to Chamba Medical College for treatment.
Continuous rain blocked roads between Bharmour and Chamba, leaving pilgrims stranded on higher trekking routes and near streams. The Chamba-Pathankot highway has been restored, but landslides still block the Chamba-Bharmour route. Where roads are open, buses are used, and stranded pilgrims are guided via foot tracks. Food and shelter are being provided by langar committees, local eateries, and police teams, while additional RTRF units assist in evacuations.
Rana added that most deaths were due to oxygen deficiency and hypothermia. He noted that so far in 2025, 164 people have died in rain-related incidents across Himachal, with 40 still missing, alongside 153 road accident fatalities. Between August 24 and 26, heavy rainfall caused widespread damage in Chamba, Kangra, and Lahaul-Spiti districts, with losses estimated at Rs 2,700 crore.
The Manimahesh Yatra is scheduled to conclude tomorrow. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is visiting affected areas to oversee relief operations and support the ongoing rescue efforts.
