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Himachal Pradesh faces severe rainfall disaster with 310 deaths since June 20, major damage in Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, and Shimla.
Debris and silt near damaged houses at a flood-affected area in Mandi district. (PTI/File)
Himachal Pradesh Disaster: The incessant rainfall continued to create havoc in Himachal Pradesh, as 310 people have been killed since June 20, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
Out of these, 158 deaths were due to rain-related incidents like landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, electrocution, and other weather-triggered disasters, while 152 deaths were the result of road accidents.
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Mandi district has borne the heaviest brunt with 51 fatalities (29 rain-related, 22 in road accidents) and extensive damage to homes, agriculture, and power infrastructure. Kangra has recorded 49 deaths, followed by Chamba (36 deaths) and Shimla (28 deaths).
The cumulative report, covering the period from June 20 to August 27, shows that 369 people have been injured and 38 remain missing. The heavy rains have also taken a toll on livestock, with 1,852 animals and 25,755 poultry birds lost during the season.
Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has triggered new landslides in multiple districts, further hindering restoration efforts.
534 Roads Blocked Across Himachal
The continuous rainfall has led to the blockage of 534 roads, while 1,184 electricity distribution transformers have been disrupted, the SDMA said on Thursday.
Kullu district reported the highest road damage, with 166 stretches blocked, including a national highway, followed by Mandi with 216 road closures. Power outages were most severe in Kullu (600 transformers disrupted) and Mandi (320 transformers), while Kangra suffered the worst impact on its water supply, with 266 schemes disrupted.
Amid continuous heavy rainfall, the Chandigarh-Manali Highway has also been closed due to a landslide in Banala. Officials said that the restoration work is underway.
Losses To Public Infrastructure
Public and private property damage is extensive. Losses to public infrastructure, including roads, water supply systems, and power lines, have been pegged at over Rs 2,44,000 lakh, while private property damages, including houses, shops, cow sheds, and crops, are valued at more than Rs 18,000 lakh, bringing the total estimated loss to Rs 2,62,336.38 lakh.
The SDMA cautioned that with weather warnings still in place, further disruption to public utilities and potential casualty figures cannot be ruled out. District administrations have been instructed to prioritise the restoration of critical services and maintain emergency shelters for stranded residents and travellers.
Authorities have cautioned that the death toll could rise further if heavy rains continue into September.
IMD Issues Red Alert For Several Districts
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi for today and tomorrow. A Yellow Alert for heavy rainfall is in place on August 28 in Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi, and on August 29 in Shimla and Mandi.
Additionally, an Orange Alert has been issued for August 30-31 in Mandi, Shimla, and Solan. Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Shimla will also experience an Orange Alert on August 31.
(With inputs from agencies)
About the Author
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More
- Location :
Shimla, India, India
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