Himachal Pradesh is facing a prolonged monsoon crisis, with relentless rain disrupting transport and damaging essential infrastructure across the hill state. Since June 30, 197 people have died, while the cumulative financial damage has climbed beyond Rs 1,000 crore. Of the fatalities, 81 were attributed to weather-related incidents, while road accidents accounted for 116 deaths. The latest situation report also shows that rescue and restoration agencies continue to work across multiple affected districts.
How Many Roads Are Still Blocked In Himachal Pradesh?
Despite restoration efforts, 88 roads were inaccessible across the state as of Tuesday evening. The number had come down from 105 earlier in the day, indicating that authorities were able to reopen several routes. Mandi remains the biggest trouble spot, with 32 blocked roads. Kullu follows with 25, while Sirmaur has reported 10 road closures.
The continuing disruption has raised concerns for residents as well as tourists, particularly in areas vulnerable to landslides and sudden weather related road damage.
Which Areas Have Recorded The Highest Number Of Monsoon Deaths?
The 81 deaths directly associated with natural and weather-related incidents include fatalities caused by rockfalls, landslides, drowning, snake bites and electrocution. Lahaul-Spiti has recorded 14 such deaths, the highest among the districts. Kangra has reported 13, while Shimla has recorded 12. Meanwhile, road accidents have claimed 116 lives during the monsoon period. Sirmaur recorded the highest number of road accident fatalities at 17, followed by Chamba with 16.
What Is The Extent Of Damage Caused By The Rains?
The monsoon has damaged residential structures and affected livestock in several parts of Himachal Pradesh. Government data shows that 85 buildings have been completely destroyed and 314 houses partially damaged. The disaster has also resulted in the deaths of 429 animals. As many as 313 people have sustained injuries, while one person is still missing in Kangra. The overall economic damage has been assessed at Rs 1,001.71 crore, although further rainfall could increase the losses.
Are Power And Water Services Affected?
Power restoration has made progress, with the number of damaged distribution transformers falling from 36 in the morning to 12 by evening. Hamirpur currently accounts for the largest share, with nine transformers affected. Shimla has two, while Kullu has one. Water infrastructure has also suffered. Nineteen water supply schemes remain affected across the state, including 12 in Hamirpur, five in Shimla and two in Bilaspur.
What Precautions Have Authorities Advised?
With more rain potentially triggering fresh landslides and flash floods, authorities have urged people to stay away from rivers, streams and other vulnerable locations during periods of intense rainfall. Tourists and other travellers have also been advised to check road conditions before beginning journeys, particularly in areas where landslides could suddenly cut off routes.
Restoration teams and district authorities are continuing road clearance, power repairs and other relief operations. Shimla also remained covered in fog on Tuesday as rainfall persisted across parts of the state.
