Himachal Pradesh is reeling under the devastating aftermath of an unprecedented monsoon, which has claimed 448 lives and caused massive destruction across the state, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
Between June 20 and September 21, rain-related incidents—including landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts—led to 261 fatalities, while treacherous mountain roads claimed an additional 187 lives. Landslides were the deadliest, taking 53 lives, followed by drownings (41) and cloudbursts (18). Electrocution, house collapses, and falls from steep slopes further worsened the toll. Mandi and Chamba were among the hardest hit, with each district reporting over 40 rain-related deaths.
The state’s hilly terrain exacerbated road accidents. Chamba and Mandi reported 24 road fatalities each, while Shimla and Solan accounted for 25 deaths each. Even smaller districts like Kinnaur saw 15 lives lost due to road mishaps.
The monsoon also wreaked havoc on infrastructure, with total damages estimated at a staggering ₹4,841.79 crore. The Public Works Department (PWD) alone reported losses of ₹2,98,113 lakh to roads and bridges. Water supply schemes and power infrastructure sustained damages of ₹1,46,385 lakh and ₹13,946 lakh, respectively.
Agriculture and livestock have been severely impacted. Over 29,000 animals perished, including 26,000+ poultry birds, while 663 houses were fully destroyed and more than 1,000 partially damaged. The destruction of 2,300+ cowsheds has further affected rural livelihoods.
An SDMA spokesperson said, “The state is working relentlessly to restore essential services, but the situation remains fragile. We urge citizens to remain cautious and stay updated on weather advisories.”
