Shimla: The ongoing monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in 310 fatalities since June 20, with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reporting 158 deaths due to rain-related incidents and 152 caused by road accidents.
Rain-related fatalities include landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, electrocution, and other weather-triggered events. The period from June 20 to August 27 also saw 369 injuries, with 38 people still missing. Livestock losses have been heavy, with 1,852 animals and 25,755 poultry birds perishing in the rains.
Damage to property has been widespread. Public infrastructure including roads, water supply systems, and power lines has sustained losses exceeding Rs 2,44,000 lakh. Private property, including homes, shops, cow sheds, and crops, accounts for more than Rs 18,000 lakh in damages. This brings the total estimated financial loss across the state to Rs 2,62,336.38 lakh.
Mandi district has suffered the greatest impact, recording 51 deaths (29 rain-related, 22 road accidents) and extensive damage to housing, agriculture, and electricity infrastructure. Kangra reported 49 fatalities, Chamba 36, and Shimla 28. Of the 158 rain-related deaths, 33 were due to drowning, 17 from cloudbursts, 12 from electrocution, 10 in landslides, and others from flash floods, snakebites, and accidental falls.
Authorities have warned that further casualties are possible if heavy rains continue into September. Recurrent landslides and unstable slopes, particularly in Kullu, Mandi, and Kinnaur districts, have complicated restoration efforts.
The monsoon has also severely disrupted essential services. As of Wednesday evening, 582 roads including two national highways remain blocked, while 1,155 electricity distribution transformers and 346 water supply schemes have been affected. Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Shimla are among the hardest-hit areas. Kullu alone reported 166 road blockages, including NH-03 and NH-305 closures, along with widespread local route damage.
Power outages are most severe in Mandi (295 transformers affected) and Kullu (841 affected, including Lug Valley, Manikaran, and Larji). Water supply schemes are heavily disrupted in Kullu (88) and Mandi (64), leaving thousands without drinking water.
The SDMA has urged district administrations to expedite restoration of critical services, maintain emergency shelters, and remain vigilant as weather warnings continue, cautioning that further disruption and casualties cannot be ruled out.
