Heavy monsoon rains have unleashed a series of landslides across Himachal Pradesh, leaving hundreds of roads blocked, power lines down, and thousands of residents and tourists stranded. Among those caught in the chaos is renowned travel vlogger Drew Binsky, who shared a gripping, first-hand account of his ordeal on social media — an account that has since gone viral.

In a widely viewed Instagram video, Binsky — known globally for documenting his travels — appears drenched in rain, surrounded by steep, unstable slopes and roaring mountain streams. Speaking directly to the camera, he narrates the unfolding danger:

“I am in Himachal Pradesh... and I am stuck in all these landslides. Look at my feet. Look at the river. It is rainy season right now. It is super dangerous. All the cars are blocked.”

He continues, visibly concerned:

“We do not know how many days we are going to be stuck here… absolutely insane and really dangerous… we’re basically stuck in no man’s land for an unknown amount of time. Wish me luck… this is happening right now in real time. Love you all.”

The video caption underscores the severity of the situation: “There are actually 20 landslides within 10 miles of us right now. Absolutely insane and very scary.” His words, set against the backdrop of a monsoon-lashed Himalayan road, have resonated with viewers worldwide.

Widespread Disruption Across Himachal

Binsky’s experience reflects the scale of the crisis. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, as of Friday:

• 400 roads remain blocked, including a national highway.

• Mandi district alone has 240 impassable routes, while Kullu district has around 100.

• 704 transformers are out of service, disrupting electricity in many areas.

• 178 water-supply schemes have been affected.

The monsoon’s toll on human life has been devastating. Official data indicates that 112 people have died in weather-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and building collapses this season, with 37 still missing. Financial losses have been pegged at ₹1,988 crore.

Separate state figures, including road accident fatalities linked to rain, push the overall death toll to 208, further highlighting the dangerous conditions.

Rescue Operations Hampered by Weather

Relief and restoration efforts are underway, with heavy machinery deployed to clear debris from blocked highways and reconnect isolated areas. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange rainfall warnings for several districts, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy to very heavy rain in the coming days.

The persistent downpour has made rescue operations slow and hazardous, raising the risk of additional landslides.

Social Media Reactions

Binsky’s post has drawn tens of thousands of reactions. Comments range from heartfelt messages urging him to “stay safe” to practical advice on avoiding travel in hilly regions during monsoon. Many locals and frequent travelers have echoed warnings about the unpredictability of high-altitude roads during this season.

Some viewers have compared the scenes in his video to disaster films, while others praised the resilience and generosity of Himachal residents, who often assist stranded tourists despite facing hardships themselves.

Monsoon Travel Caution

Authorities and locals alike have reiterated that while Himachal Pradesh remains a major draw for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the monsoon season brings inherent risks. Rapidly changing weather conditions, poor visibility, and the possibility of road collapses make certain routes unsafe during peak rainfall months.

For now, Drew Binsky and many others remain stranded, awaiting clearer skies and safer roads. His real-time video updates have served not only as a personal travel log but also as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power in the Himalayan region.