Torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides have claimed at least 51 lives and left 22 people missing across Himachal Pradesh as the monsoon continues to batter the state, according to an official damage assessment released by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) on Tuesday.
Covering the period from June 20 to July 1, the SEOC report highlighted severe human casualties, extensive damage to infrastructure, and widespread distress across all 12 districts of the hill state.
The report attributes the fatalities to a mix of flash floods, landslides, road accidents, lightning strikes, and drowning incidents. The Mandi district emerged as the worst affected, reporting 10 deaths and all 34 missing cases, largely due to flash floods and cloudbursts.
In addition:
- 13 deaths were reported in Kangra
- 6 each in Mandi and Chamba
- 4 in Kullu
- 2–4 deaths in Shimla, Kinnaur, and Una
- Sirmaur and Solan recorded lower casualties
On July 1 alone, seven new deaths were reported, including three in Kullu and two in Chamba due to road accidents.
The monsoon havoc has caused:
- Rs 283.39 crore worth of damage to public infrastructure
- Destruction across PWD, Jal Shakti Vibhag, and the power sector
- Losses also reported in health, education, fisheries, and animal husbandry
Private property losses are estimated at Rs 88.03 lakh, with:
- 22 houses completely damaged
- 204 structures affected overall
- 84 shops, cow sheds, and labour huts damaged
- 84 livestock deaths reported
June alone witnessed 132 deaths and 270 injuries, making it the deadliest month so far. 830 animals were lost to weather-related incidents during the month, according to SEOC data.
The Himachal Pradesh government has activated emergency protocols and established a 24×7 control room. The public can reach out via the helpline 1070 for any emergency assistance. All district administrations remain on high alert, focusing on rescue, relief, and restoration.
As rains continue to lash the state, the SEOC stressed that data is being continuously updated as new field reports come in and rescue operations are intensified.
