Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 6 (HBTV): A total of 74 people have lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, with 47 deaths attributed to rain-related disasters and 27 to road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The SDMA's cumulative report, released on July 6, outlines the human toll and infrastructural damage caused by heavy rains across the state between June 20 and July 5.

Landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, electrocution, snake bites, and other weather-induced hazards accounted for the 47 rain-related fatalities. Mandi district recorded the highest number of such deaths at 17, followed by Kangra with 11 and Una with four.

Among the specific causes, cloudbursts resulted in 14 deaths, electrocution incidents led to four deaths, and flash floods caused eight fatalities. Six individuals died after falling from steep slopes or trees.

In addition, 27 people lost their lives in road accidents during the same period, with Chamba district recording six such deaths, followed by Bilaspur and Kullu with three each. Two more deaths occurred on July 5—one in Bilaspur due to electrocution and another in Kullu due to slippage on wet terrain—underscoring the ongoing risks amid the monsoon season.

The SDMA also reported damage to 296 houses (both fully and partially), over 10,000 poultry deaths, and extensive losses to agriculture, livestock, and public infrastructure. The estimated total monetary loss across sectors such as roads, water, power, and rural development stands at INR 56,687.65 lakh.

The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) continues to operate its 24/7 disaster response helpline (1070) to address citizen concerns and coordinate ongoing relief efforts.

Widespread rainfall across Himachal Pradesh has severely impacted public utilities. In the last 24 hours alone, 269 roads were blocked, 285 electricity transformers disrupted, and 278 water supply schemes rendered non-functional, according to SEOC data.

In its daily situation report issued at 10:00 am on July 6, the SEOC identified Mandi district as the most severely affected, with 200 roads blocked, 236 power transformers disrupted, and 278 water supply schemes non-functional.

Kullu district reported the second-highest number of blocked roads—39 in subdivisions such as Banjar and Nirmand—due to rainfall-triggered debris. Chamba district followed with 32 blocked roads and 17 damaged transformers across subdivisions including Salooni, Dalhousie, and Bharmour.

‘The heavy monsoon showers have triggered landslides, waterlogging, and infrastructure damage, disrupting road connectivity and essential services across multiple districts,’ the SDMA stated.

He added, ‘Efforts are underway to restore services swiftly, and field teams are on alert in highly affected regions such as Mandi and Kullu.’

In contrast, minimal or no disruptions were reported in districts such as Shimla, Solan, and Lahaul & Spiti. However, the SDMA cautioned that continued rainfall could worsen conditions in the coming days.

Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in landslide-prone areas. Restoration operations are ongoing, with teams from the Public Works, Electricity, and Jal Shakti departments deployed across the state.

The SEOC continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and coordinate state-wide response efforts through its 24/7 helpline (1070).

(ANI)