Death toll from monsoon havoc in Himachal Pradesh reaches 85

HORNBILL TV

The death toll from the ongoing monsoon devastation in Himachal Pradesh has reached 85, according to the State Disaster Management Authority.

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 10 (HBTV): The death toll from the ongoing monsoon devastation in Himachal Pradesh has reached 85, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

Of these, 54 fatalities were directly caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, while 31 deaths were reported due to road accidents, the SDMA stated.

The authority confirmed that the state continues to suffer under the impact of relentless rainfall. In the past 24 hours alone, 204 roads have been blocked, including National Highway NH-003, which connects Mandi to Dharampur via Kotli. Additionally, 192 distribution transformers (DTRs) and 740 water supply schemes have been disrupted across the state.

Mandi district remains the worst-affected, reporting the highest number of road blockages (138), major power outages, and damage to water supply systems. In Kullu, 20 roads were blocked due to heavy rains, while Sirmaur and Kangra also witnessed significant infrastructure disruptions, according to the SDMA’s latest update.

‘All emergency services are on alert. Restoration of road access, electricity, and water supply is ongoing,’ officials at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said, which compiled the utility disruption report.

The SDMA has reiterated its appeal to the public to avoid travelling on vulnerable routes, especially in high-altitude and landslide-prone areas, as more rain is forecast in the coming days.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday visited flood-affected areas of the Seraj Assembly constituency in Mandi district and assured affected families of all possible support from the state government. He also inspected the relief camp set up at Bagsiad for the victims and took feedback on the assistance being provided.

While speaking to media persons, the Chief Minister said that relief and rescue operations were being carried out effectively in the Seraj Assembly constituency. However, he expressed concern over individuals spreading misinformation on social media.

He said, ‘I personally got delivered relief material and ration to rain-hit Galu in a helicopter. Later, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh also visited the affected areas to assess the damage caused.’

(ANI)