Shimla: The ongoing monsoon has caused unprecedented devastation across Himachal Pradesh, claiming 310 lives and inflicting extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported that between June 20 and August 27, 158 people died due to rain-related incidents, including landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, and electrocution, while 152 fatalities occurred in road accidents during the same period.
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) cumulative damage report highlights the scale of destruction: 369 people have been injured, 38 remain missing, and losses to public property are estimated at over Rs 2,62,336 lakh. More than 1,240 homes have been affected, with 331 completely and 416 partially damaged. Additionally, 2,045 cowsheds, 897 labour huts, and hundreds of shops and small factories have been impacted.
Infrastructure losses are massive. The Public Works Department (PWD) reported damages exceeding Rs 1,44,456 lakh, while the Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV) estimated water supply system losses at Rs 90,578 lakh. The power sector has suffered over Rs 13,946 lakh in damages, with further losses recorded across health, education, agriculture, horticulture, and rural development sectors.
District-wise, Mandi (29 rain-related deaths, 22 road accident deaths), Kangra (30 and 19), Chamba (14 and 22), and Kinnaur (14 and 14) are among the hardest hit. Kullu reported 13 deaths each in rain-related incidents and road accidents.
The SDMA has warned that the threat of further damage remains high as the monsoon continues, urging district administrations to stay on high alert. Restoration of roads, electricity lines, and water supply systems is being hampered by ongoing rains and repeated landslides in vulnerable areas.
