Shimla: The monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh has taken a heavy toll, claiming 310 lives since June 20, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Of these fatalities, 158 were caused by rain-related incidentsโincluding landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, and electrocutionโwhile 152 resulted from road accidents.
The SDMA report, covering the period from June 20 to August 27, also notes that 369 people have been injured, and 38 remain missing. Livestock losses are significant, with 1,852 animals and 25,755 poultry birds reported dead.
Damage to public and private property has been extensive. Public infrastructureโincluding roads, water supply systems, and power linesโhas suffered losses exceeding Rs 2,44,000 lakh. Private property, including houses, shops, cow sheds, and crops, has incurred damages over Rs 18,000 lakh, bringing the total estimated loss to Rs 2,62,336.38 lakh.
Among the districts, Mandi has been the worst affected, with 51 deaths (29 rain-related, 22 road accidents) and severe damage to homes, agriculture, and electricity infrastructure. Kangra recorded 49 fatalities, Chamba 36, and Shimla 28.
The SDMA report details the breakdown of rain-related deaths: 33 from drowning, 17 from cloudbursts, 12 due to electrocution, 10 in landslides, and the remainder caused by flash floods, snakebites, and accidental falls. Authorities have warned that the toll could rise if heavy rainfall continues into September. Restoration of infrastructure remains challenging due to recurring landslides and unstable slopes, particularly in Kullu, Mandi, and Kinnaur.
The monsoon has also disrupted essential services across the state. As of Wednesday evening, 582 roadsโincluding two national highwaysโremained blocked. Electricity supply was affected with 1,155 distribution transformers (DTRs) disrupted, while 346 water supply schemes were out of service. Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Shimla were among the worst-hit districts, with Kullu alone reporting 166 road blockages, including closures on NH-03 and NH-305.
Power outages were severe in Mandi (295 transformers affected) and Kullu (841 transformers affected, particularly in Lug Valley, Manikaran, and Larji). Water supply schemes were most disrupted in Kullu (88) and Mandi (64), leaving thousands without drinking water.
The SDMA has cautioned that ongoing weather warnings could lead to further disruption of public utilities and additional casualties. District administrations have been instructed to prioritize the restoration of critical services and maintain emergency shelters for stranded residents and travelers.
