Monsoon fury claims 192 lives in Himachal; 106 in rain-linked disasters, 86 in road accidents
The SDMA's cumulative monsoon damage report, released on August 5, highlights the extent of devastation caused by relentless rain. The hill state has suffered losses across sectors, including widespread damage to roads, electricity infrastructure, water supply schemes, agriculture, housing, and public institutions.
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Among the rain-related fatalities, Mandi district accounted for the highest with 23 deaths, followed by Kangra (24) and Chamba (9). Causes of death include landslides (6), flash floods (8), cloudbursts (17), drowning (20), lightning (0), fire (1), electrocution (10), and other rain-induced accidents (18).
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In addition, the SDMA has confirmed 86 deaths due to road accidents, with Mandi (19 deaths) and Shimla (12 deaths) topping the list, followed by Kullu (8) and Kangra (6).
Infrastructure losses have reached staggering proportions: 449 roads remain blocked due to landslides, including major national highways like NH-21, NH-003, NH-154, and NH-305. Additionally, 753 power distribution transformers are non-functional, and 276 water supply schemes have been disrupted.
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The SDMA estimates the total economic loss due to the monsoon at over ₹1,75,000 lakh (₹1,753.63 crore), with 88,804 lakh (₹888.04 crore) worth of damage to public property and 618.18 crore to private property, including fully or partially damaged homes, shops, and cowsheds.
Restoration work is underway across districts, with departments of PWD, Jal Shakti, and electricity working round the clock to clear debris and restore essential services. However, officials caution that many areas remain inaccessible, and adverse weather conditions continue to hamper relief operations.
The SDMA has advised the public to remain vigilant, avoid travel in vulnerable areas, and follow weather advisories strictly.
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