Monsoon havoc in Himachal: 75 killed in 44 days, damage crosses Rs 911 crore; 209 roads blocked
Shimla, August 12
Monsoon rains and weather-related disasters have claimed 75 lives in Himachal Pradesh since June 30, while the estimated damage to public and private property has crossed Rs 911 crore, according to the latest state government data.
The cumulative loss has been pegged at Rs 91,172.51 lakh, or over Rs 911.72 crore, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and the Disaster Management Cell of the Revenue Department.
As many as 75 people have died in disaster-related incidents during the period. Accidental falls from rocks and trees accounted for the highest number of fatalities at 26, followed by landslides (14), snake bites (7), lightning strikes (6), drowning (5) and flash floods (1). Another 16 deaths were attributed to other weather-related incidents.
Lahaul and Spiti recorded the highest number of disaster-related deaths at 14, followed by Kangra (12), Shimla (10), Chamba (9) and Kullu (9).
In addition to disaster-related fatalities, 98 people have died in road accidents during the monsoon period, with Chamba and Sirmaur recording the highest number of such deaths at 16 each. Kullu reported 13 road accident fatalities, while Shimla recorded 11.
At least 208 people have sustained injuries in disaster-related incidents, while one person remains missing, the data showed.
The monsoon has also inflicted extensive damage on infrastructure and private property. The PWD has reported losses of Rs 68,636.43 lakh, while the power sector has suffered damage estimated at Rs 20,389.51 lakh.
The rains have damaged 358 houses, including 80 pucca houses -- 29 fully and 51 partially -- and 278 kaccha houses, of which 102 were completely and 176 partially damaged.
Besides residential structures, 14 shops, 238 cattle sheds, and five huts have also been damaged, while 208 livestock have perished.
Meanwhile, 209 roads remained blocked across the state as of 5 pm on Wednesday, despite ongoing restoration operations. All National Highways in the state were reported to be open.
Mandi was the worst affected with 94 blocked roads, followed by Kullu with 60, Shimla with 21, Sirmaur with 11, and Chamba with 10.
The power supply situation improved significantly during the day, with 19 distribution transformers (DTRs) pending restoration by evening. Of these, 13 were in Mandi, five in Shimla, and one in Kullu.
However, 70 water supply schemes remained disrupted. Shimla accounted for 24 affected schemes, followed by Sirmaur (17), Chamba (16), and Mandi (8).
Emergency response teams, road-clearing machinery, and restoration crews have been deployed across the affected districts to restore road connectivity and essential services, officials said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones. 26 deaths from accidental falls is shocking — many are probably tourists unaware of the terrain. The state should install better safety railings and warning signs near hiking spots.
This is devastating. I visited Himachal last summer and the infrastructure seemed relatively good. It just shows how extreme weather events can overwhelm any system. My thoughts and prayers with the affected people.
The biggest concern is 209 roads still blocked. that's affecting daily life, transport of essentials, and relief operations. The administration must prioritize clearing those 94 roads in Mandi urgently. Also, proper drainage planning is needed to avoid such chaos every monsoon.
Truly sad news. The scale of the damage - rs 911 crore - is massive for a hill state. But it's also concerning that 98 people died in road accidents during monsoon. That's more than disaster deaths. Maybe speed restrictions and better vehicle checks are needed in hilly areas during rainy season.
I wonder if climate change is making these monsoons more unpredictable and destructive. Our hill states are bearing the brunt. The government should also set aside funds for climate adaptation projects, not just immediate relief. 208 livestock lost is huge for rural incomes too.
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