Heavy rains and landslides have claimed the lives of at least ten pilgrims and left four missing during this year’s Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district, officials confirmed on Saturday. Seven others are reported injured.
The pilgrimage has faced severe disruption due to persistent downpours, landslides, and treacherous conditions, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said. Special Secretary DC Rana, speaking from Shimla, said injured pilgrims have been admitted to nearby hospitals while search operations continue for those unaccounted for.
“Continuous rainfall and landslides had blocked the road link between Bharmour and Chamba, leaving pilgrims stranded along higher trekking routes and near streams. Once the weather cleared, rescue teams launched extensive operations to bring the pilgrims to safety. So far, about 6,000 pilgrims have been rescued and shifted to Chamba,” Rana stated.
Helicopter sorties were deployed to evacuate sick and physically weak pilgrims. Many are undergoing treatment at Chamba Medical College. While the Chamba-Pathankot highway has been restored, the Chamba-Bharmour route continues to face multiple landslide blockages.
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“Local administration has used buses where roads are open, and in areas where roads remain blocked, pilgrims have been guided out through foot tracks,” Rana added. On the yatra route, langar committees, local eateries, and police teams have provided food and shelter. Additional SDRF teams have been mobilised to evacuate those stranded on foot trails.
Rana reported that so far this year, 164 people have died in rain-related disasters across Himachal Pradesh, with 40 still missing. Separately, 153 people have perished in road accidents. “Most of the deaths during the Manimahesh Yatra were due to oxygen deficiency and hypothermia,” he said.
Heavy rainfall between August 24 and 26 caused extensive damage across Chamba, Kangra, and Lahaul-Spiti districts. SDMA estimates total losses at around Rs 2,700 crore. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is currently visiting affected areas to oversee relief and rescue operations.
Traditionally, the Manimahesh Yatra concludes by August 31. Authorities remain on high alert as rescue operations continue in remote areas.
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