The monsoon in Himachal Pradesh has claimed 451 lives since June 20. Of these, 262 deaths were due to rain-related disasters such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, electrocution, and lightning, whereas 189 people lost their lives in road accidents, as per the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
According to the SDMA report, 497 people were injured, and 47 remain missing. Livestock have also suffered, with over 2,511 animals dead and 26,955 poultry birds lost.
Infrastructure and property have seen widespread damage as 1,804 houses were completely destroyed, and 29,466 homes were partially damaged. In addition, 665 shops and factories, 1,046 cow sheds, and 2,344 labour huts were affected.
Public infrastructure losses are estimated at Rs 4,861 crore. The Public Works Department suffered the most, with damages worth Rs 300,015 lakh, followed by irrigation and water supply schemes, power infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture.
As of the morning of September 23, 338 roads, including two national highways (NH-03 and NH-503A), remain shut due to landslides and slippages. Power supply has been affected, with 45 distribution transformers disrupted, and 77 drinking water schemes are not working, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).
Districts worst hit by blocked roads include Kullu (106), Mandi (109), and Kangra (40). In terms of power disruptions, Mandi (11) and Kullu (13) were most affected, while water supply was worst in Mandi (41) and Shimla (12).
The highest loss of lives and property was reported in Mandi, Kangra, Shimla, and Chamba. Mandi recorded 66 deaths, Kangra 57, and Chamba 68.
An SDMA official said, “Restoration work on roads, water supply schemes, and power infrastructure is being carried out on a war footing, but continuous landslides and flash floods have slowed progress.”
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, especially on vulnerable national and state highways, and to report emergencies promptly. Relief and ex-gratia payments are being processed for affected families.
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