The North News
Shimla, September 8
At least 366 people have died in Himachal Pradesh during this year’s monsoon season, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said on Sunday. Of the total fatalities, 203 were linked to rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, drowning and lightning strikes. A further 163 deaths were reported in road accidents. The SDMA estimated losses to public and private property at more than ₹4,080 crore. Public infrastructure bore the brunt, with the Public Works Department (PWD) reporting damages worth ₹2,518 crore, the Jal Shakti Vibhag ₹1,254 crore, and the power sector nearly ₹140 crore. Officials said 4,784 houses were either fully or partially damaged, along with shops, cowsheds, educational institutions, health centres, and agricultural and horticultural land. Mandi district reported the highest rain-related toll at 37, followed by Kangra (31), Kullu (25), Chamba (21) and Shimla (21).
On the road accident front, Chamba and Mandi each reported 22 deaths, while Kangra (19), Solan (19) and Shimla (18) also saw high casualties. The report also highlighted major losses in agriculture and animal husbandry, with 1,991 animals dead and nearly 27,000 poultry birds lost. Crop damage across several districts has compounded the economic setback.
Restoration efforts are underway, though officials said persistent rainfall and recurring landslides are hampering progress. “Continuous rainfall is delaying the clearance of debris and restoration of services, particularly in remote valleys,” an SDMA spokesperson said.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Himachal Pradesh on September 9 to assess the damage. BJP leader and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said Modi would also travel to Punjab to review flood-hit regions.
ANI
