Shimla: The devastating monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh has left 257 people dead since June 20, according to the latest data released by the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA). The state continues to battle widespread destruction to both lives and property as heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods batter the hilly region.
District-wise figures show Kangra (28 deaths), Mandi (26), and Kullu (11) among the worst-hit areas. Of the fatalities, 133 were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, electrocution, drowning, and flash floods, while 124 people died in road accidents triggered by treacherous weather conditions.
The HPSDMA report also recorded 331 injuries and 37 people missing, underscoring the gravity of the crisis. Landslides and flash floods have claimed 16 lives, while swollen rivers have led to 27 drowning deaths. Other casualties stemmed from lightning strikes, snake bites, accidental fires, and electrocution.
The toll on infrastructure and property is equally severe. More than 1,028 houses have been reduced to rubble, while another 2,157 sustained partial damage. Additionally, 285 cowsheds, 699 shops, and factories were destroyed. Public assets worth over ₹2.14 lakh crore have been lost, including damage to roads, power supply lines, water schemes, and government facilities.
Livestock losses have added to the crisis, with 1,625 cattle and over 25,700 poultry birds reported dead. Among the districts, Mandi faced the steepest financial setback, exceeding ₹1,180 crore, followed by Kangra and Kullu.
The state’s road network has been badly hit, with 203 roads blocked in Mandi alone and 79 in Kullu, including NH-305 at Jhed (Khanag), where a major landslide cut off access. In Kinnaur, six roads, including stretches of NH-5, remain closed due to downpours. Power supply disruptions have compounded hardships, with 458 transformers out of service in Mandi and outages across Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu due to high-tension line faults.
Water supply schemes have also been severely affected, particularly in Mandi (44), Kangra (41), and Chamba (24). Officials cautioned that intermittent rains forecast in the coming days could further worsen the situation, urging residents to avoid vulnerable routes and adhere strictly to safety advisories.
With the monsoon showing no signs of easing, the state machinery remains on high alert, struggling to restore connectivity, power, and essential services to thousands of affected families.
