Shimla: The monsoon has left a devastating trail across Himachal Pradesh, with the cumulative death toll since June 20 climbing to 276, according to figures released by the State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA). Of these, 143 people lost their lives in rain-related disasters such as landslides, flash floods, and house collapses, while 133 fatalities were linked to road accidents.
Widespread Disruptions Reported
Heavy rainfall has thrown life out of gear in several districts. In the last 24 hours alone, 366 roads have been blocked, electricity supply snapped in 929 locations, and 139 water schemes brought to a halt, the HPSDMA noted.
National Highway-305 in Kullu and NH-154 in Mandi remain closed due to landslides and road sinking, while multiple internal routes in Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, Sirmaur, and Chamba have also been cut off.
Districts Worst Affected
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Kullu emerged as the worst-hit district with 125 roads closed, 281 power transformers damaged, and 56 water supply schemes stalled.
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Mandi recorded 174 road closures, 98 transformers out of service, and 60 water supply projects disrupted.
Field reports highlighted that Lug Valley, Manikaran, Sainj, Jibhi, the Mandi-Jogindernagar route, and the Thangi-Charang stretch in Kinnaur are completely cut off. Continuous rainfall and fresh landslides are slowing down restoration efforts.
Advisory to Residents
Officials have appealed to people to avoid non-essential travel on vulnerable routes, warning that fresh disruptions are likely as the monsoon remains active across the state.
