Shimla: Unrelenting rains have triggered widespread devastation in Himachal Pradesh, bringing life to a standstill across several districts. Educational institutions have been ordered shut in at least eight districts, while highways and hundreds of internal roads remain blocked due to landslides and flooding.
The hill town of Manali witnessed severe destruction over the last 24 hours, with a hotel in Vahang swept away by the swollen Beas river. Only the gate of the well-known Sher-e-Punjab restaurant survived, while the building and nearby shops were washed downstream. The Leh-Manali Highway near Samahan was completely eroded, cutting off connectivity. The Chandigarh-Manali National Highway has also suffered extensive damage between Kullu and Manali, further isolating the region.
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Mandi, Kangra, Chamba and Kullu, warning of more heavy rainfall on Tuesday. The Mani Mahesh Yatra in Chamba was halted due to adverse weather. In a tragic development, four pilgrims from Punjab died after suffering oxygen deprivation en route, leaving many others stranded in Handsar and Bharmour. Separately, a 72-year-old man from Nurpurโs Dadwara village lost his life after being swept away in a rivulet.
Adding to the crisis, early snowfall has blanketed high-altitude passes such as Shinkula, Kugti Jot and Baralacha in Lahaul-Spiti, unusual for this time of the year.
Between June 20 and August 25, the state has recorded 306 fatalities, 367 injuries and 372 missing persons due to rain-related disasters. The toll has not been limited to humansโover 1,800 cattle and 25,000 poultry birds have perished. Official figures reveal that 321 houses were destroyed completely, while more than 1,600 suffered partial damage, alongside losses to shops, cowsheds and shelters.
The financial burden of the monsoon has been staggering. Farmers have already reported crop losses worth โน38.87 crore. The Public Works Department has incurred the heaviest hit, with damage valued at โน1,310.79 crore from washed-away roads. Other departments too face steep losses: Water Power (โน813.85 crore), Electricity (โน139.46 crore), Education (โน20.45 crore) and Health (โน4.30 crore).
District-wise, Mandi tops the list with losses exceeding โน1,321 crore, followed by Kangra (โน741.72 crore), Chamba (โน622.84 crore) and Kullu (โน619.78 crore). Overall, Himachal Pradesh has so far suffered an estimated โน2,394 crore in damages this monsoon season.
With rains showing little sign of abating, rescue and restoration efforts are underway on a war footing, even as residents brace for more challenges in the days ahead.
