Monsoon Havoc: Himachal Pradesh's Season of Destruction

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with relentless monsoon havoc, with the death toll soaring to 427 from June 20 to September 20, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). A total of 243 individuals succumbed to rain-induced disasters such as landslides, flash floods, drowning, and lightning, while 184 died in road accidents during this period.

The state's public infrastructure has been severely impacted. As of September 20, 394 roads, including key national highways NH-03 and NH-503A, remain blocked. Power outages plague various districts with 73 distribution transformers disrupted, while 174 water supply schemes have ceased functioning, affecting both rural and urban areas heavily.

District-specific data highlights Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra as the worst-hit areas in terms of road closures, with Mandi suffering the most acute power disruptions. The monsoon has resulted in substantial damage with 1,708 injuries reported, 481 animal deaths, and extensive property loss including 651 houses destroyed and 1,012 damaged. The agricultural sector reports staggering losses, with damages to crops and orchards amounting to significant financial tolls. Restoration efforts are underway but are hampered by ongoing landslides and unstable slopes, marking a significant challenge for officials.