Shimla: Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the impact of heavy monsoon rains, with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirming that 306 people have lost their lives between June 20 and August 25.
The latest cumulative report revealed that 156 deaths occurred due to natural disasters including landslides, flash floods, and electrocution, while 150 others were the result of road accidents.
The state has also recorded a staggering financial loss of Rs 2,39,428.50 lakh during this period. Beyond human casualties, the disaster claimed the lives of 25,755 poultry birds and 1,843 other animals.
Private property damages were valued at Rs 3,372.05 lakh, with 2,819 homes completely destroyed and 1,641 partially damaged. Crop destruction added another Rs 2,743.47 lakh in losses.
Public infrastructure suffered the most severe blow. The Public Works Department alone reported damages worth โน1,31,079.7 lakh. The Jal Shakti Vibhag recorded losses of โน81,385.2 lakh, while the electricity department faced damages of โน13,946.69 lakh. Road damage was also reported at โน66 lakh.
In total, 199 disaster incidents struck the state, with Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti witnessing the highest number. These included 81 landslides, 77 flash floods, and 41 cloudbursts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts for the next 48 hours. On Tuesday, Chamba and Kangra will remain under red alert, while Mandi and Kullu shift to orange alert. Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kullu are under orange warning, whereas Solan and Shimla remain under yellow alert.
As the state braces for more rain, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay cautious and follow official advisories.
