Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, September 9, reviewed the devastation caused by heavy monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh, carrying out an aerial survey of the severely affected districts of Mandi and Kullu before landing in Kangra. The state has been battling the aftermath of floods and landslides that have claimed hundreds of lives and left infrastructure and livelihoods badly damaged.

Following the survey, PM Modi announced a ₹1,500 crore financial relief package for Himachal Pradesh. He assured the advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) along with benefits under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

He emphasized the need for a multi-dimensional recovery plan, detailing initiatives such as rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoration of highways, rehabilitation of schools, relief through the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and livestock support with mini kits.

Recognising agriculture as a critical sector, the Prime Minister assured targeted aid for farmers, particularly those without power connections. He directed that damaged houses be geotagged for faster assessment and delivery of aid, while schools will also geotag reported damages to access assistance under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

Additional measures include constructing recharge structures for rainwater harvesting to boost groundwater levels and improve water management across the state.

The Union Government has also deployed Inter-Ministerial Central Teams to conduct damage assessments, based on which further support may be announced.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), Himachal Pradesh recorded losses of ₹4,122 crore between June 20 and September 8 due to incessant rains.

At least 370 people lost their lives, 41 remain missing, and 205 of the fatalities were directly linked to extreme weather events — including 43 landslide deaths, 17 from cloudbursts, and nine from flash floods. Road accidents during the monsoon season claimed an additional 165 lives.

The state’s infrastructure remains severely crippled, with 619 roads, including four national highways, still blocked. In addition, 1,748 power transformers and 461 water supply schemes are non-functional. The monsoon has caused widespread destruction to property, damaging 6,344 houses, 461 shops and factories, and vast stretches of both government and private land.