Shimla, Aug 29: Himachal Pradesh has so far recorded a total of 312 deaths since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, said the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
Of these, 160 were caused by rain-related disasters, including landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, electrocution, and other weather-related incidents, while 152 fatalities were due to road accidents.
As per reports, the total economic loss to Himachal Pradesh has been estimated at Rs 2,75,354.81 crore. This includes damage to public infrastructure, private property, agriculture, crops, and livestock. The disaster has also resulted in the deaths of 1,854 animals and more than 25,700 poultry birds.
The SDMA report reveals that rain-related deaths have been spread across several areas, with the highest number in Kangra (30 deaths), followed by Mandi (29), Chamba (14), Kinnaur (14), and Kullu (13). Road accidents have also caused many deaths, with Chamba and Mandi having the most (22 each), followed by Kangra (19) and Shimla (15).
Meanwhile, the damage to infrastructure has been severe. The Public Works Department (PWD) reported losses of over Rs 1.53 lakh crore, while the Jal Shakti Department (responsible for water supply and irrigation) reported damages worth Rs 94,772.97 crore. The power sector has faced losses over Rs 13,946 crore, with additional damage in health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry sectors, according to the report.
The report also mentions housing damage, with 338 pucca houses completely destroyed, 438 kachha houses fully damaged, and over 3,367 pucca houses partially damaged. In addition, shops, cowsheds, labour huts, ghats, and agricultural land have also been affected.
The state government is still working on rescue, relief, and rebuilding efforts. The SDMA has emphasized that restoring roads, power, and drinking water supply is the top priority. Officials have also warned that the death toll and damages could increase if heavy rains continue in the most affected districts.
