Himachal Pradesh has been battered by severe monsoon activity over the past month, with the death toll rising to 125 between June 20 and July 20, according to official figures. As per the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 70 people lost their lives to rain-induced disasters including landslides, cloudbursts, flash floods, and other weather-triggered incidents. Additionally, 55 fatalities were recorded in road accidents during the same period.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) noted that the monsoon’s destructive impact continues to be felt across various public services and infrastructure.
Dozens of Roads, Water Schemes and Power Lines Disrupted
The SEOC’s latest update, as of 5 PM on July 20, revealed that 142 roads across the state are still blocked due to debris and landslides. Forty water supply schemes have been interrupted, and 26 distribution transformers are currently non-functional, disrupting power in several areas, news agency ANI reported.
In terms of public utility disruptions, Mandi district remains the worst-hit, reporting 91 road blockages, followed by Kullu district with 33.
Essential services, including drinking water and electricity, remain compromised in several parts of Kullu, Mandi, and adjoining regions.
The SEOC report also provided a detailed breakdown of the 70 disaster-related deaths. Fourteen people were killed in cloudbursts, 12 drowned, 8 died in flash floods, 6 succumbed to electrocution, and 3 lost their lives in landslides. Other deaths were attributed to lightning strikes, fire incidents, snake bites, and similar causes.
Meanwhile, road accidents claimed lives across various districts. Una and Solan districts reported 8 deaths each, while Shimla and Kullu recorded 7 each. Kinnaur and Chamba reported 6 fatalities each, with other districts also affected, as per ANI.
Emergency relief work, road clearance, and restoration efforts are being carried out on a war footing by the state government, with SDMA and local administrations maintaining constant monitoring.
Authorities have once again urged residents to refrain from travelling during periods of heavy rain and to remain alert to signs of slope movement, especially in landslide-prone zones. The SDMA’s helpline number 1070 continues to be active round-the-clock for emergency assistance.
Though temporary restoration work has been undertaken in some pockets, officials stressed that utility teams are working tirelessly to bring normalcy to affected areas. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in hilly regions, and to follow updates issued by official channels.
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