himachal-monsoon-toll-rises-to-257-heavy-loss-to-property

The ongoing monsoon has turned tragic for Himachal Pradesh, claiming 257 lives since June 20, as per the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA).

 

District-wise figures show that Mandi (26 deaths), Kangra (28), and Kullu (11) are among the worst-hit regions. Of the total, 133 people died in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, drowning, and electrocution. Another 124 people lost their lives in road accidents.

 

Moreover, around 331 people have been injured and 37 remain missing during the ongoing monsoon season.

 

Landslides and flash floods alone killed 16 people, while 27 drowned in swollen rivers and streams. Others lost their lives due to lightning, fire, snake bites, electrocution, and accidental falls.

 

Besides, the state has also suffered massive damage to homes and public infrastructure. Over 1,028 houses were completely destroyed, while another 2,157 were partially damaged. Shops, cow sheds, and small factories were washed away. Public property worth more than ₹2.14 lakh crore has been lost, with heavy damage to roads, power lines, water supply schemes, and government buildings.

 

Animal losses too have been severe. Nearly 1,625 cattle and more than 25,700 poultry birds have perished in the rains.

 

Mandi district has borne the heaviest financial loss, estimated at over ₹1,180 crore, followed by Kangra and Kullu. Roads remain blocked in many places. In Mandi alone, 203 roads are shut and 458 transformers are out of service. In Kullu, 79 roads are blocked, including NH-305 at Jhed (Khanag) due to a major landslide.

 

Water supply schemes have also been badly hit, 24 in Chamba, 41 in Kangra, and 44 in Mandi. In Kinnaur, NH-5 and five other roads remain closed after heavy rainfall. Flash floods and damaged power lines have caused widespread outages in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.

 

The authorities have cautioned that more rain in the coming days could make things worse. People have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, especially on vulnerable stretches, and follow safety advisories.