Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Fury: Over 400 Lives Lost

The monsoon season has brought unprecedented devastation to Himachal Pradesh, with over 409 fatalities reported since June 20, 2025. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) attributes 229 of these deaths to rain-triggered disasters, including landslides and flash floods, while 180 have perished in road accidents exacerbated by adverse weather conditions.

The calamities have also inflicted severe damage on the region's infrastructure and livestock. Over 5,164 homes have been completely destroyed and another 2,743 partially damaged. The agricultural sector suffered the loss of more than 2,100 animals and 26,955 poultry birds. In addition, state-wide infrastructure including 8,896 roads, 6,147 water supply schemes, and 87 bridges have been compromised.

Financial losses from the monsoon havoc have been pegged at over Rs. 4,500 crore. Among the districts, Mandi witnessed the heaviest toll in terms of human casualties, followed closely by Chamba, Kullu, Kangra, and Shimla. The SDMA cautions that despite periods of clear weather, the threat of natural calamities like landslides persists due to fragile terrain and water-logged slopes.

(With inputs from agencies.)