Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 1 (HBTV): Pre-monsoon rains and adverse weather conditions have caused widespread destruction across Himachal Pradesh, disrupting critical infrastructure and claiming 128 lives between March 1 and June 30.
According to the latest report released by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) on Wednesday, the cumulative financial loss has reached INR 2,984.27 lakh (approximately INR 29.84 crore).
The latest spell of rain has left 44 roads blocked across the state, severely affecting transportation. Mandi district is the worst affected with 28 road closures, followed by Shimla with 17, according to the Public Works Department (PWD).
Power infrastructure has also suffered extensive damage. A total of 254 Distribution Transformer Regulators (DTRs) remain out of service, disrupting electricity supply in several areas. Mandi accounts for 198 affected DTRs, while Sirmaur has reported 44 transformer failures.
However, the state's drinking water infrastructure has remained largely unaffected, with no disruption reported to water supply schemes.
The Revenue Department's Disaster Management Cell reported that 128 people lost their lives in weather-related incidents during the four-month pre-monsoon period.
Falls from trees and steep rocks accounted for 75 deaths, making them the leading cause of disaster-related fatalities, followed by 30 drowning deaths.
District-wise, Shimla recorded the highest number of weather-related deaths with 33 fatalities, followed by Chamba with 23. Lahaul and Spiti reported no disaster-related deaths during the period.
Apart from weather-related incidents, road accidents claimed another 270 lives across Himachal Pradesh during the same period. Shimla recorded the highest number of road accident fatalities with 43 deaths, followed by Chamba with 41.
The pre-monsoon weather also caused extensive damage to residential property. Official figures show that 354 houses were completely destroyed, while 1,592 houses sustained partial damage.
Shimla reported the highest financial loss at INR 732.83 lakh, followed by Solan with INR 464 lakh and Kullu with INR 426 lakh.
Authorities said restoration work is underway, with teams from the Public Works Department and the State Electricity Board clearing road blockages, removing debris and restoring electricity supply in affected areas.
Officials have advised residents to remain cautious as the southwest monsoon continues to advance across Himachal Pradesh, increasing the risk of further rain-related incidents in the coming days. (ANI)