Himachal Pradesh continues to battle the aftermath of an intense monsoon season with hundreds of roads blocked, power and water supplies disrupted, and a rising human toll reported by ANI. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) of the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), at least 574 roads, including three National Highways, remain closed as of Thursday.
The SEOC morning status report said that 574 roads were blocked across the state, down from 645 reported the previous evening. National Highways NH-03, NH-305 and NH-503A were among those affected.
Power supply took a heavy hit with 812 distribution transformers (DTRs) disrupted. Water supply too has been strained, with 369 schemes reported out of order – an improvement from 437 schemes recorded the day before.
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District-wise, Mandi reported the highest number of road blockages at 154, followed by Shimla (72), Kangra (42) and Chamba (30). Power disruption was worst in Mandi, which had 245 DTRs down, while Kullu reported 211 and Solan 125. Shimla saw the most damage to water supply schemes, with 102 hit, followed by Mandi (52) and Chamba (25).
The HPSDMA’s cumulative loss report for the season, which began on June 20 and runs through September 10, puts the total death toll at 380. Of these, 215 were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods and drowning, while 165 deaths occurred in road accidents during the same period.
The data shows 137 landslides, 97 flash floods and 45 cloudbursts have been recorded this season. Landslides accounted for 48 deaths, flash floods for 11, and cloudbursts for 17.
ANI reported extensive damage to private property. While 3,762 pucca and 767 kutcha houses experienced partial damage, at least 478 pucca and 498 kutcha houses were totally destroyed. With 1,999 animals and 26,955 poultry birds reported dead, livestock losses were also substantial.
Losses cross Rs 4,300 crore
According to the HPSDMA, the total damage to public property was estimated to be Rs 4,30,676.05 lakh, or approximately Rs 4,306.76 crore. The Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV), Power, Health, Fisheries, and Education are among the important sectors affected by the losses.
The disaster is making it difficult for both well-known tourist destinations and isolated hill villages to connect and obtain basic services. Authorities cautioned residents in high-risk areas that continued rainfall may cause more landslides and flooding. The state government is collaborating with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local administrations on ongoing relief efforts.
