Monsoon Death Toll In Himachal Rises To 14, Losses Cross Rs 15.27 Crore, 49 Roads Remain Blocked

The southwest monsoon continued to batter Himachal Pradesh on Friday, pushing the death toll to 14 and causing losses exceeding Rs 15.27 crore.

While authorities have restored connectivity in some areas, dozens of roads remain blocked and essential services continue to be disrupted as the state braces for more rain.

Death toll rises as weather-related incidents mount

Heavy monsoon rainfall continued to wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh, with the death toll rising to 14, according to the latest situation report issued by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). The cumulative loss to public and private property has now crossed Rs 15.27 crore.

According to the official report, 12 people have died in weather-related incidents since June 30, while two additional fatalities occurred in separate road accidents linked to adverse weather conditions.

Electrocution emerged as the leading cause of weather-related deaths, claiming five lives. Three people died in avalanches, three lost their lives after falling from trees or steep rocks, and one person drowned.

Kangra recorded the highest number of fatalities with four deaths, followed by Shimla with three and Mandi with two. Chamba, Kullu and Lahaul & Spiti reported one death each, while the two road accident fatalities were reported from Kinnaur and Mandi districts.

The financial impact of the ongoing monsoon has risen sharply, with damage to public infrastructure accounting for the largest share at Rs 1,444.77 lakh. Among the worst-affected districts, Mandi reported infrastructure losses of Rs 28.80 lakh, followed by Kangra at Rs 20.10 lakh and Shimla at Rs 12.30 lakh. Authorities have also reported widespread damage to private property, agricultural land and animal shelters across multiple districts.

Road connectivity improves, but disruptions persist

Despite continuous restoration efforts, 49 roads remained blocked across the state as of 6 pm on Friday, down from 61 closures reported earlier in the day.

Kullu continues to be the worst-affected district, with 30 roads still shut, including 13 in the Nirmand subdivision and 10 in Banjar. Chamba has 10 blocked roads, while Sirmaur and Kangra reported three each. Two roads remain closed in Mandi.

In Lahaul and Spiti, authorities restored connectivity through an alternate route at Jahalma Nullah, although two roads remain blocked.

In Una district, traffic on the Ajouli-Sanoli road near the Punjab border has been suspended and diverted via the Sanoli-Melwan road. The Bhaderkali-Jailo Di Badh link road also remains closed following rain-induced roadside erosion.

Water, power supply affected as authorities remain on alert

Heavy rainfall continues to disrupt essential services across Himachal Pradesh.

According to the latest report, three Distribution Transformer Regions (DTRs) remained affected on Friday evening—two in Chamba district and one in the Udaipur subdivision of Lahaul and Spiti.

The drinking water network has also suffered significant damage, with 23 water supply schemes still disrupted. Chamba district has been hit the hardest, with 20 affected schemes in the Tissa subdivision alone.

The Department of Revenue and the State Disaster Management authorities are monitoring the evolving situation through the 24x7 State Emergency Operations Centre (1070).

Officials said road clearance, restoration of electricity, repair of drinking water schemes and relief operations are continuing on a war footing. District administrations have also been directed to remain on high alert as weather forecasts indicate the possibility of further rainfall over the coming days.

(With inputs from ANI)