Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – Torrential monsoon rains have unleashed widespread devastation across Himachal Pradesh, claiming the lives of at least 51 people and leaving 22 others missing as of July 1. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported significant damage to life, private property, livestock, and public infrastructure across all 12 districts, with cumulative figures covering the period from June 20 to July 1.
The SEOC’s damage assessment report highlights that the fatalities are due to various causes including flash floods, drowning, landslides, lightning strikes, and road accidents. Mandi district has been particularly hard hit, reporting the highest number of missing persons (all 34 across the state are from Mandi) and 10 deaths, primarily attributed to flash floods and cloudbursts. Another 103 people have sustained injuries in rain-related incidents.
Extensive Damage to Property and Infrastructure
The state has reported substantial material losses. A total of 204 houses have been damaged, with 22 completely destroyed. Additionally, 84 shops, cow sheds, and labor huts have been affected. The estimated loss to private property stands at Rs 88.03 lakh.
However, the damage to public infrastructure is far more severe, totaling an estimated Rs 283.39 crore (Rs 28,339.81 lakh). The Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV), and the power sector have borne the brunt of these losses. Other departments, including health, education, rural and urban development, fisheries, and animal husbandry, have also reported significant damages.
District-Wise Casualties and Livestock Losses
Kangra district has recorded the highest number of deaths with 13 fatalities, followed by Mandi and Chamba with 6 each, and Kullu with 4. Kinnaur, Shimla, and Una districts have reported between 2 and 4 deaths, while Sirmaur and Solan have seen fewer casualties. On July 1 alone, seven new fatalities were recorded, including three in Kullu and two in Chamba due to road accidents, and one each in Bilaspur and Mandi.
The monsoon’s impact extends to the rural economy, with 84 cattle and other livestock perishing, further compounding the distress for families reliant on agriculture and dairying. The SEOC’s month-wise compilation indicates that June experienced the highest human toll this year, with 132 deaths and 270 injuries, along with 830 animal deaths.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Monitoring
The Himachal Pradesh government has activated all emergency protocols, establishing a 24×7 control room at SEOC. Public helpline 1070 has been issued for reporting emergencies. Authorities emphasize that these figures are cumulative and subject to updates as field reports continue to come in. District authorities are on high alert, actively engaged in rescue, relief, and restoration operations as the monsoon season progresses.
