Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 28 (HBTV): The ongoing monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh has claimed 310 lives since June 20, with 158 deaths attributed to rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning and electrocution, while 152 people have died in road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The cumulative report, covering the period from June 20 to August 27, notes that 369 people have been injured and 38 remain missing. Heavy rains have also impacted livestock, with 1,852 animals and 25,755 poultry birds lost.

The SDMA estimated the total loss at Rs 2,62,336.38 lakh. Public infrastructure, including roads, water supply systems and power lines, suffered damages worth more than Rs 2,44,000 lakh, while private property, including houses, shops, cow sheds and crops, was damaged to the tune of over Rs 18,000 lakh.

Mandi district has reported the highest number of fatalities at 51, with 29 deaths linked to rain-related incidents and 22 to road accidents. Kangra recorded 49 deaths, followed by Chamba with 36 and Shimla with 28. The SDMA breakdown of the 158 weather-related deaths includes 33 due to drowning, 17 in cloudbursts, 12 from electrocution and 10 from landslides, with others caused by flash floods, snakebites and accidental falls.

Officials have warned that the toll could rise further if adverse weather persists in September. Restoration of critical infrastructure remains difficult because of recurring landslides and unstable slopes, particularly in Kullu, Mandi and Kinnaur.

Torrential rain has disrupted road connectivity, power supply and drinking water schemes across the state. As of Wednesday evening, 582 roads, including two national highways, were blocked, 1,155 electricity distribution transformers were non-functional and 346 water supply schemes were out of service.

The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that restoration work has been slowed by persistent heavy rainfall. Kullu district has faced the most severe damage with 166 road blockages, including closures on NH-03 and NH-305, and widespread destruction of local routes. Power supply disruptions were worst in Mandi, where 295 transformers were affected, and in Kullu, where 841 transformers were damaged, including in the Lug Valley, Manikaran and Larji areas. Water supply schemes were also heavily impacted in Kullu and Mandi, with 88 and 64 disruptions respectively.

The SDMA cautioned that with weather alerts still in effect, further disruptions to utilities and additional casualties cannot be ruled out. District administrations have been directed to prioritise the restoration of essential services and ensure emergency shelters remain available for stranded residents and travellers.

(ANI)