Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), July 6: The monsoon has claimed 74 lives in Himachal Pradesh since June 20, with 47 fatalities from rain-induced disasters like landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, and 27 deaths from road accidents, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
The SDMA’s report, covering June 20 to July 5, highlighted Mandi district as the worst-hit with 17 rain-related deaths, followed by Kangra (11) and Una (4). Cloudbursts were particularly deadly, causing 14 deaths, while flash floods accounted for eight fatalities. The state also saw six deaths from falls and four from electrocution incidents.
Road accidents added 27 more lives lost, with Chamba leading in such casualties.
The report also noted extensive damage: 296 houses were damaged, over 10,000 poultry died, and losses to roads, agriculture, and public infrastructure have reached nearly Rs 57 crore.
Essential services have been severely impacted, with 269 roads blocked, 285 electricity transformers disrupted, and 278 water supply schemes non-functional in the last 24 hours. Mandi alone has 200 roads blocked and the highest number of disrupted power and water schemes.
Kullu, Chamba, and other districts also faced major infrastructure disruptions, while areas like Shimla and Lahaul & Spiti remained relatively unaffected so far.
The SEOC urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in landslide-prone areas, and assured that restoration efforts are ongoing, with teams from the Public Works, Electricity, and Jal Shakti departments actively working to restore connectivity and services. The 24/7 disaster helpline (1070) remains operational for emergency support.