Himachal monsoon death toll rises to 183 in 47 days; losses cross Rs 972 crore

The monsoon has claimed 183 lives in Himachal Pradesh over the past 47 days, while financial losses from rain-related incidents and natural hazards have crossed Rs 972 crore, according to the latest State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) data.

The cumulative report prepared by the Department of Revenue's Disaster Management Cell estimated losses at Rs 97,263.91 lakh, or approximately Rs 972.64 crore, between June 30 and August 15.

Of the 183 fatalities recorded during the period, 79 were attributed to natural hazards and other rain-related incidents, while road accidents accounted for another 104 deaths.

Landslides take toll

Among the deaths linked to natural hazards, 14 people were killed in landslides, while 27 died after falling from steep rocks or trees. Fifteen deaths were attributed to other weather-related incidents.

Eight people each died from snakebites and electrocution, five drowned and one person was killed in a flash flood.

Lahaul and Spiti recorded the highest number of natural hazard-related fatalities at 14, followed by Kangra with 13 and Shimla with 11.

Road accidents, meanwhile, emerged as the single biggest contributor to the overall toll, accounting for 104 deaths. Chamba and Sirmaur recorded 16 road accident fatalities each, while Kullu reported 14.

The monsoon-related incidents have also left 291 people injured, while 31 remain missing. More than 732 animals and 225 poultry birds have also been lost, according to official figures.

Infrastructure battered

Public infrastructure has borne the brunt of the destruction, with roads, power infrastructure, water supply systems and other public assets suffering extensive damage.

The Public Works Department accounted for a major share of the financial losses as repeated landslides, flash floods and heavy rainfall damaged roads and disrupted connectivity across the hill state.

The scale of destruction has risen rapidly during August. On August 9, infrastructure losses were reported at around Rs 835 crore, illustrating how continuing rainfall has added substantially to the damage within days.

Authorities have continued restoration operations to reopen blocked roads and restore electricity and water supply in affected areas. Relief measures, including ex-gratia assistance, have also been extended to families affected by deaths and damage to property.

With the monsoon season still underway and the Himalayan state remaining vulnerable to landslides and flash floods, authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and disaster-prone areas.