Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 29 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh continues to endure the relentless fury of the monsoon, which has severely disrupted public infrastructure and claimed numerous lives across the state.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), as of Tuesday, 357 roads—including one National Highway—182 power distribution transformers (DTRs), and 179 water supply schemes (WSS) have been disrupted due to incessant rains and associated disasters.
The cumulative toll of the monsoon season paints a grim picture. Official data from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reports that 170 people have died since June 20, of whom 94 lost their lives in rain-related incidents, including landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, electrocution, and lightning. The remaining 76 deaths occurred in road accidents during the same period.
Mandi district remains the worst-hit, with 259 road blockages, 172 disrupted power transformers, and 47 damaged water schemes. It also recorded the highest number of fatalities due to both monsoon-triggered incidents and road accidents.
The widespread damage extends to homes, livestock, crops, and vital infrastructure. Flash floods and landslides have cut off numerous regions, isolating communities and hampering access. Restoration and rescue operations are ongoing under the supervision of district authorities, with support from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police teams.
Authorities have issued advisories urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas and remain cautious amid continuing rainfall alerts.
Earlier today, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed the situation, confirming that torrential rains wreaked havoc in Mandi district, particularly along the Jail Road area where two individuals were reported dead and others are feared buried under debris.
“Heavy rain lashed Mandi last night, causing severe damage to the Jail Road area. Two deaths have been reported. Given the scale of the disaster, I can say it resembles a cloudburst-like situation,” Sukhu stated during a press interaction in Shimla, assuring that immediate rescue and relief efforts are underway. (ANI)
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