Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 21 (HBTV): The monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh has left a grim trail of destruction, with 430 people losing their lives between June 20 and September 20 this year, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
Of the total deaths, 245 were attributed to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, electrocution, and other rain-related causes. Another 185 people died in road accidents during the same period, the SDMA report said.
The agency further reported that 487 people were injured, while 46 remain missing. The monsoon also devastated livestock, with over 29,000 animal deaths, including poultry. Nearly 7,160 houses were fully damaged and 11,309 partially damaged across the state.
Infrastructure losses have been severe. The Public Works Department (PWD) reported damages worth INR 2,90,383.8 lakh, while the Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV) suffered losses of INR 1,46,385.9 lakh. The power sector recorded damages of INR 13,946.69 lakh, with education, health, and rural development sectors also facing heavy losses.
District-wise, Mandi recorded the highest number of rain-related deaths at 42, followed by Kullu and Kangra with 35 each. Shimla reported 23 weather-linked casualties, while Una and Chamba reported 16 and 28 deaths, respectively.
The SDMA said the impact of the monsoon extended beyond human and infrastructure losses to agriculture. Standing crops worth INR 2,743.47 lakh in agriculture and INR 5,164.24 lakh in horticulture were destroyed, adding to the misery of farmers.
Authorities continue to assess damages and provide relief as the state emerges from one of the most destructive monsoon seasons in recent years.
(ANI)