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Key Points

The monsoon season has been devastating for Himachal Pradesh with 355 lives lost so far. Rain-related incidents including landslides and flash floods account for 194 deaths while road accidents claimed another 161 lives. All 12 districts have been affected with Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba suffering the highest casualties. The state has incurred over Rs 3,787 crore in property damage with widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and essential services.

Key Points: Himachal Monsoon Death Toll Reaches 355 With 194 Rain-Related Fatalities

  • Mandi district records highest death toll with 58 fatalities from monsoon devastation
  • Landslides claimed 35 lives while drowning incidents caused 33 deaths statewide
  • Public infrastructure damage exceeds Rs 3,787 crore affecting roads and utilities
  • 415 houses completely destroyed and 597 partially damaged across Himachal
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Himachal: Monsoon toll climbs to 355; 194 rain-related deaths

Himachal Pradesh monsoon devastation claims 355 lives including 194 rain-related deaths and 161 road accidents. Over Rs 3,787 crore in property damage reported across all 12 districts.

"The cumulative loss to public property is pegged at over Rs 3,787 crores - State Disaster Management Authority"

Shimla, September 5

The monsoon fury in Himachal Pradesh has left a trail of destruction, claiming 355 lives so far this season, including 194 in rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, drowning, lightning strikes, and other weather-triggered causes, and 161 in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The SDMA's cumulative report from June 20 to September 4 indicated that torrential rains injured 416 people and left 49 missing. The scale of devastation spans across all 12 districts, with Mandi (58 deaths), Kangra (50), Chamba (43), Shimla (38), and Kullu (31) among the worst-hit.

Rain-related fatalities included 35 in landslides, 33 due to drowning, 17 in cloudbursts, 15 in falls from steep slopes or trees, and several others from electrocution, snake bites, fires, and avalanches.

In addition to weather disasters, monsoon-season road accidents claimed 22 lives each in Chamba and Mandi, 19 in Kangra, 18 each in Shimla and Solan, 14 in Kinnaur, and 13 in Kullu.

The cumulative loss to public property is pegged at over Rs 3,787 crores with major damage to Public Works Department (PWD) infrastructure, Jal Shakti water supply systems, and power distribution networks.

Private property losses included 415 fully damaged houses, 597 partially damaged houses, and 1,212 cowsheds and huts destroyed. A total of 28 shops, factories, and commercial structures have been damaged, along with widespread destruction to animal shelters and rural infrastructure.

The SDMA has urged district administrations to continue prioritising rescue and relief measures, with a focus on restoring connectivity, power, and drinking water supply.

The public has been advised to remain alert, avoid travel to high-risk areas, and pay attention to weather advisories.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Over 350 lives lost and 3800+ crores in damage! Climate change is hitting us hard. We need better early warning systems and evacuation plans. Prayers for all affected families 🙏
A
Aman W
The road accident numbers are equally concerning. Himachal roads become death traps during monsoon. Authorities must improve road safety measures and restrict travel during extreme weather.
S
Sarah B
I was in Shimla last month and saw firsthand how dangerous the landslides can be. Tourists need to be more responsible and heed weather warnings. Local communities bear the brunt of these disasters.
V
Vikram M
The loss of livestock and homes is devastating for rural families. Hope relief reaches the most affected quickly. We should all contribute to reputable relief organizations helping in Himachal.
N
Nikhil C
While nature's fury is unavoidable, poor urban planning and illegal construction on hillsides have worsened the impact. Time for strict enforcement of building codes in ecologically sensitive areas.

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