Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Crisis: Death Toll Hits 424 Amid Heavy Rains and Disruptions
Himachal Pradesh is facing one of its worst monsoon seasons ever, with relentless rains causing heartbreak and chaos across the state. Since June 20, the death toll has now reached 424, according to the latest report from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
Out of these tragic losses, 242 people died in rain-related disasters like landslides, flash floods, drowning, and lightning strikes. Another 182 lost their lives in road accidents triggered by the slippery, waterlogged conditions. The SDMA shared this grim update on Thursday, painting a clear picture of how the monsoon has turned deadly.
The heavy downpours haven’t just claimed lives—they’ve wrecked infrastructure too. As of Thursday evening, 604 roads, including two key national highways, stay blocked, making travel a nightmare. Power outages affect 228 transformers, and 221 water supply schemes are down, leaving many without electricity or clean water.
Districts like Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, and Shimla have taken the biggest hits. Mandi tops the list with 42 deaths from rain calamities and 24 from road accidents. Kangra saw 35 monsoon-related fatalities and 22 accident deaths, while Chamba reported 28 natural disaster losses and 22 road mishaps. In Shimla, 23 people died due to the rains, and 24 in accidents.
Breaking down the rain disasters, landslides claimed 52 lives, drowning took 40, cloudbursts 17, flash floods 11, and 19 more from electrocution or other causes. Hill districts such as Kullu and Kinnaur suffered major blows from landslides and flash floods, isolating remote areas.
The damage to roads is staggering. In Kullu, over 200 roads are closed, including vital stretches like NH-03 (Manali-Atal Tunnel) and NH-305 (Anni-Jalori). Mandi has 198 blocked roads, plus 143 faulty power transformers and 126 broken water schemes—stranding thousands without essentials.
An SDMA spokesperson stressed the urgency: "We’re in full crisis mode. Restoring roads, electricity, and water supplies is our top priority right now. Search, rescue, and relief efforts continue non-stop."
Beyond the human toll, the monsoon has hammered farms, homes, and livestock. More than 29,000 houses are partially or fully damaged. Around 4.75 lakh poultry birds and 2,458 animals have died. The total economic loss? It has surged past Rs 47.49 crore, hitting crops, horticulture, and more.
As Himachal Pradesh battles this devastating monsoon season, authorities urge residents to stay alert and follow safety advisories. The state is working hard to recover, but the road ahead looks tough with rains still lashing the hills.
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