Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Fury: Human, Infrastructure Toll Mounts

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a devastating monsoon season, suffering extensive human and infrastructure losses. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) reported 417 fatalities, with 236 occurring due to rain-induced calamities like landslides and flash floods, while 181 were from road accidents.

Since the monsoon's arrival on June 20, torrential rains have wreaked havoc, leaving 477 people injured and 45 missing. Additionally, over 2,407 animals and nearly 27,000 poultry birds have perished. The disaster led to the total destruction of 1,668 houses and 29,362 partially damaged ones, with significant financial implications, amounting to losses exceeding Rs 4,58,000 lakh for the state.

Districts such as Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba bore the brunt of nature's fury, recording the highest casualty figures. The relentless rains have obliterated roads, electricity infrastructure, and agricultural fields. The ongoing restoration efforts are hampered by continuous landslides, with authorities cautioning about impending rain-triggered hazards in vulnerable areas.