Himachal Pradesh: Monsoon death toll rises to 132, with 432 roads blocked, power

HORNBILL TV

The death toll amid the relentless monsoon in Himachal Pradesh has risen to 132, with 74 deaths directly linked to rain-related incidents and 58 caused by road accidents, according to reports.

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 22 (HBTV): The death toll amid the relentless monsoon in Himachal Pradesh has risen to 132, with 74 deaths directly linked to rain-related incidents and 58 caused by road accidents, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

The SEOC report highlighted widespread infrastructural damage, with 432 roads blocked, 534 power distribution transformers (DTRs) disabled, and 197 water supply schemes affected. District Mandi remained the worst-hit, reporting 260 blocked roads, while Kullu recorded the highest number of disrupted DTRs at 123. Water supply disruptions were reported from multiple regions, including Kullu (44) and Chamba (57).

Several National Highways have also been impacted by landslides and road collapses, including NH-02, NH-21 (Mandi-Kullu road), and NH-154 (Mandi-Pathankot road).

Among the districts, Mandi reported the highest number of rain-related deaths at 16, followed by Kullu (8) and Kangra (16). Statewide, road conditions have severely deteriorated, prompting authorities to remain on high alert. Emergency services have been deployed to facilitate clearance and restoration operations in the worst-affected areas.

Damage assessments estimate total losses at over INR 1,246.9 crore (INR 1,24,690 lakh), spanning public infrastructure and private property across sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, health, education, and housing.

Authorities continue to operate round-the-clock emergency response through the SEOC and have urged residents to avoid travel in vulnerable zones. Restoration efforts are ongoing despite the challenging terrain and adverse weather.

Meanwhile, on Monday, two people died in Chamba district after a boulder struck a house during heavy rain.

Ashwani, a local Patwari, said, ‘Due to the rain, a landslide occurred last night. As a result, a boulder fell on a house, and two people tragically died in the incident. Their bodies were recovered from the debris with the help of the police and taken to Chamba Hospital. The government also provided immediate relief to the victims. Currently, we are further assessing the danger in the area and preparing a report on the losses.’

(ANI)