Key Points

The monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh has been devastating with 298 lives lost since June. Rain-related incidents including landslides and drowning claimed 152 lives while road accidents accounted for 146 fatalities. Massive infrastructure damage has been reported with public property losses exceeding Rs 2,34,739 lakh across multiple departments. Authorities continue to warn residents about ongoing heavy rainfall and high risks of further landslides and flash floods.

Key Points: Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Death Toll Reaches 298 with 152 Rain-Related Fatalities

  • Landslides and flash floods caused 19 deaths across affected districts
  • Drowning incidents resulted in 31 fatalities during heavy rains
  • Road accidents claimed 146 lives with Kangra and Mandi worst hit
  • Public property damage exceeds Rs 2.34 crore with major infrastructure losses
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Monsoon death toll in Himachal climbs to 298; 152 killed in rain-related Incidents: SDMA

Himachal Pradesh monsoon claims 298 lives since June, including 152 rain-related deaths and massive infrastructure damage exceeding Rs 2,34,739 lakh.

"Landslides and flash floods together accounted for 19 deaths, while drowning incidents claimed 31 lives - State Disaster Management Authority"

Shimla, August 23

Heavy monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh have claimed 298 lives since June 20, including 152 deaths in rain-related incidents and 146 in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The SDMA's cumulative report shows that rain-related fatalities were caused by landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, fires, snake bites, electrocution, and falls from steep terrain. Landslides and flash floods together accounted for 19 deaths, while drowning incidents claimed 31 lives.

Another 32 people died after falling from steep rocks or trees, and 25 deaths were recorded under 'other' causes linked to extreme weather.

Road accident deaths remained high during the monsoon, with Kangra district reporting 19 fatalities, Mandi 22, Chamba 21, Bilaspur 6, Kullu and Kinnaur 13 each, Shimla 15, Solan 14, Sirmaur 9, Una 9, Hamirpur 3, and Lahaul and Spiti 2.

The state has also suffered massive damage to infrastructure and property. Loss to public property is estimated at over Rs 2,34,739 lakh. The Public Works Department reported over Rs 1,31,079 lakh in damages, the Jal Shakti Department Rs 76,974 lakh, and the power sector Rs 13,946 lakh.

Private property damage includes 313 fully damaged pucca houses, 362 fully damaged kachcha houses, and 813 partially damaged pucca houses. Agricultural and horticultural losses are also substantial, with over 2,728 hectares of crops damaged.

The SDMA said 1,824 animals have died, while poultry losses stand at 25,755 birds.

Authorities have urged people to remain alert as the India Meteorological Department maintains a heavy rain warning for several districts. The risk of further landslides, flash floods, and road accidents remains high, particularly in hilly terrain and along saturated slopes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The loss of animals and poultry is devastating for local farmers. Their livelihoods are completely destroyed. Government should provide immediate compensation and support to these families.
A
Aman W
While nature's fury is unavoidable, our disaster preparedness needs serious improvement. Early warning systems should be more effective. Prayers for all affected families 🙏
S
Sarah B
The road accident numbers are alarming! 152 deaths just in road accidents during monsoon shows we need better road safety measures and stricter driving regulations in hilly areas.
V
Vikram M
Climate change is making our monsoons more unpredictable and dangerous. We need long-term planning for infrastructure that can withstand these extreme weather events. Jai Himachal!
M
Michael C
The economic impact is staggering - over 234 crore in public property damage alone. Recovery will take years. Hope the central government provides adequate funds for rebuilding.
N
Nisha Z
Respectfully, while relief efforts are important, we also need to address illegal construction on hill slopes which worsens landslides. Development should be sustainable and safe.

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