Heavy Rains Lash Himachal Pradesh; 69 Dead, Rs 495 Crore In Damages Reported

In its latest update, the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), along with the Revenue Department, confirmed widespread destruction across several districts, with Mandi emerging as the worst-affected.

File Photo (ANI)

New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh has suffered cumulative losses exceeding Rs 495 crore and recorded at least 69 deaths since the monsoon season began on June 20, according to a status report issued by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) on Friday. Among the fatalities, 26 occurred due to road accidents during this period, while the remaining 43 were attributed to various monsoon-related disasters.

The extensive damage includes the destruction of 55 houses and 198 cow sheds, along with significant loss to public infrastructure and departmental assets. Roads, water supply schemes, power systems, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities have all been affected. The loss to public infrastructure alone is estimated at Rs 287.80 crore, with the Public Works Department (PWD) bearing the highest financial impact. Other affected departments include the Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV), Power, Health, Education, Fisheries, Rural Development, Urban Development, and Animal Husbandry.

In terms of private property, the estimated damage stands at Rs 134.32 crore. Additionally, the agriculture and horticulture sectors have suffered losses of Rs 20.38 crore and Rs 13.48 crore, respectively.

Mandi district has emerged as the worst-hit region, reporting 20 deaths, 80 fully damaged houses, and severe infrastructural damage across various departments. The estimated loss in the district stands at Rs 86.78 crore. Kangra district has recorded 13 deaths, 52 houses fully damaged, and total losses amounting to Rs 84.93 crore. Significant damage has also been reported from Kullu, Shimla, Solan, and Chamba districts, affecting both public infrastructure and private property.

From January to July 3 this year, Himachal Pradesh has recorded 548 deaths due to various disasters, including 132 fatalities in June alone. The SEOC report highlights that 958 people have been injured so far in 2024 due to incidents such as landslides, cloudbursts, road accidents, and other calamities.

Of the 69 monsoon-related fatalities, 14 were caused by cloudbursts, 8 by flash floods, 7 due to drowning, and the rest from electrocution, landslides, accidental falls, and snake bites. The 26 road accident deaths recorded during the same period are also included in the monsoon toll. On July 3 alone, six fatalities were reported, with one each in Chamba (landslide), Una (electrocution), and Kinnaur (slippage).

Additionally, the monsoon has led to the deaths of 110 animals and birds, causing financial losses estimated at Rs 3.31 lakh in livestock and poultry. A total of 497 cow sheds have also been damaged.

Authorities are actively assessing the extent of the damage and continuing relief efforts. The SEOC has urged residents, especially those in vulnerable and disaster-prone areas, to remain cautious as the monsoon season continues.

(With inputs from ANI)