2023 Himalayan floods
Floods in 2023
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Floods and landslides on August 14 in the Indian Himalayan Region killed at least 72 people.[1][2][3] Losses were estimated at $1.2 billion, and several hundred roads were closed. Portions of Himachal Pradesh received rainfall amounts of more than 12 inches (300 mm).
| Cause | Heavy rains |
|---|---|
| Meteorological history | |
| Duration | August 14, 2023 |
| Flood | |
| Max. rainfall | 16.54 in (420 mm) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 72 |
| Missing | 20 |
| Areas affected | Indian Himalayan Region, including Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh |
Preparations
India's weather department stated that moderate to heavy rainfall was expected across the Himalayan Region on August 14, and issued a red alert for heavy rainfall for Uttarakhand.[4]
Impact
Heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides in Himachal Pradesh, where 19 people were killed in Mandi district. Fourteen people were killed in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, after two landslides and a cloudburst.[5] In Solan, roads were flooded and homes were washed away, killing seven people,[6] In Sambal, seven people were also killed during the floods[7] and at least 700 flooded roads were closed in Himachal Pradesh district.[5] All schools and colleges were closed following the floods.[5] In Uttarakhand state, two people were killed.[6] At least twenty people are still missing.[6] In total, 72 people were killed due to the floods.[2][8]
Portions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand received up to 16.54 inches (420 mm) in 24 hours.[6]
Aftermath
Rescue teams, including personnel from the Indian Air Force, were dispatched to flooded areas.[9][10] 2,000 people were rescued, and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, chief minister of Himachael Pradesh, estimated the losses at $1.2 billion.[3]