Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 31 (ANI): The monsoon havoc in Himachal Pradesh since June 20 has claimed 320 lives, with 166 deaths caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, and electrocution, while 154 were attributed to road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
The SDMA’s cumulative loss report shows widespread destruction across the hill state, with damages estimated at Rs 3,05,684.33 lakh. The disaster has also left 379 people injured and destroyed 1,280 houses, along with 40 shops and factories. In addition, 35,240 animal and poultry deaths have been reported, along with extensive losses to crops, horticulture, and public infrastructure.
As of Sunday evening, 662 roads, including four national highways, 985 distribution transformers, and 495 water supply facilities remained disrupted due to heavy rains and related incidents, the SDMA said in its latest public utility status report.
Rain-related fatalities were highest in Kangra district (30 deaths), followed by Mandi (29), Kullu (15), Chamba (14), and Kinnaur (14). Road accidents took the heaviest toll in Chamba and Mandi (22 each), followed by Kangra (19) and Shimla (16).
Public infrastructure has been hit hard, with the Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti Vibhag, and the power sector incurring the highest losses. Crop damage is also severe, particularly in Kangra, Mandi, Una, and Kullu districts.
According to the SDMA, the devastation includes damage to assets worth Rs 4,231.78 lakh in PWD infrastructure, Rs 1,145.27 lakh in water supply, Rs 2,743.47 lakh in power infrastructure, and over Rs 1.7 lakh in crop losses.
The monsoon has repeatedly triggered heavy landslides, road cave-ins, and flash floods, cutting off access to remote areas and severely impacting essential services. Authorities said restoration work is underway, but unstable slopes and frequent rainfall continue to hinder progress. (ANI)
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