Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 26 (HBTV): The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has reported that 306 people lost their lives due to monsoon-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh between June 20 and August 25.

According to the cumulative loss report issued on Monday, 156 deaths were caused by natural disasters such as landslides, flash floods, and electrocution, while 150 were due to road accidents.

The report stated that Himachal Pradesh has suffered a total loss of INR 2,39,428.50 lakh during this period. Along with human casualties, 25,755 poultry birds and 1,843 other animals also died.

Damage to private property has been estimated at INR 3,372.05 lakh, which includes 2,819 completely damaged and 1,641 partially damaged houses. Crop losses have been calculated at INR 2,743.47 lakh.

Public property has also been heavily affected. The Public Works Department recorded losses of INR 1,31,079.7 lakh, the Jal Shakti Vibhag suffered losses worth INR 81,385.2 lakh, and the electricity department faced damages amounting to INR 13,946.69 lakh. Road damage was reported at INR 66 lakh.

The SDMA further informed that 199 disaster incidents occurred across the state, with the highest number reported in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts. These include 81 landslides, 77 flash floods, and 41 cloudburst incidents.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts for the next 48 hours. Orange and yellow alerts have also been issued for several other districts.

According to the IMD’s latest forecast, a red alert was issued for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi on Monday. For Tuesday, the red alert remains in place for Chamba and Kangra, while Mandi moves to orange alert along with Kullu. Earlier, an orange alert had also been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kullu, while a yellow alert is in effect for Solan and Shimla.

(ANI)