Relentless monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across India’s northern state of Himachal Pradesh, claiming at least 78 lives and leaving dozens missing, state officials confirmed on Monday.

According to the Himachal Pradesh Emergency Operations Center, 50 of the fatalities were the result of flash floods, cloudbursts, and drowning incidents as the monsoon tightened its grip on the region. An additional 28 people were killed in weather-induced road accidents, as landslides and slippery conditions disrupted transportation across the hilly state.

The seasonal deluge, which began in mid-June and is expected to persist through September, has injured at least 121 people and caused widespread destruction. A total of 37 individuals remain unaccounted for amid ongoing search and rescue operations.

Communities across Himachal Pradesh have been heavily impacted, with homes, roads, and public infrastructure damaged by surging waters and sudden cloudbursts. Emergency crews, often hampered by treacherous conditions, are working around the clock to deliver aid and evacuate vulnerable residents.

The monsoon rains have not only impacted India but have also affected neighboring Pakistan, which is experiencing similar weather-related disruptions. With further rainfall expected in the coming days, authorities in Himachal Pradesh remain on high alert, warning residents in vulnerable areas to exercise caution.

Rescue operations are underway, and state officials continue to assess the damage while coordinating with national disaster response teams to mitigate the ongoing crisis. (ILKHA)