Flash floods and landslides ravage Himachal Pradesh, leaving 51 dead and dozens missing

Shimla, July 2: Torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides have caused widespread devastation across Himachal Pradesh during the current monsoon season, resulting in at least 51 fatalities and leaving 22 people missing, according to the latest official figures.

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The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), under the Himachal Pradesh Department of Revenue, released a comprehensive damage assessment report on July 2, covering the period from June 20 to July 1.

The report highlights extensive losses affecting human lives, private property, livestock, and public infrastructure throughout 12 districts of the state. It confirms 51 deaths linked to various causes, including flash floods, drowning, landslides, lightning strikes, and road accidents. Mandi district has been the hardest hit, reporting 10 deaths and all 34 missing individuals, primarily due to flash floods and cloudbursts.

Additionally, 103 people have sustained injuries in monsoon-related incidents. The state has recorded damage to 204 homes, with 22 completely destroyed, encompassing both permanent and temporary structures. Affected properties also include 84 shops, cow sheds, and labor huts. The estimated loss to private property stands at Rs 88.03 lakh.

Damage to public infrastructure has been even more severe, totaling an estimated Rs 283.39 crore (Rs 28,339.81 lakh). The most impacted sectors are the Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV), and the power sector. Other affected areas include health, education, rural and urban development, fisheries, and animal husbandry.

“These figures are cumulative and may be updated as more reports come in from the field. District authorities remain on high alert and are actively engaged in rescue, relief, and restoration operations,” said an SEOC spokesperson.

Among the districts, Kangra reported the highest death toll with 13 fatalities, followed by Mandi and Chamba with 6 each, and Kullu with 4 deaths. Kinnaur, Shimla, and Una reported between 2 to 4 deaths, while Sirmaur and Solan experienced fewer casualties.

(With agency inputs)