Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), July 6: The monsoon season has claimed 78 lives across Himachal Pradesh since June 20, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Of these, 50 fatalities resulted from rain-related disasters including flash floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and electrocution, while 28 people died in road accidents.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri confirmed that Mandi district has been the worst-hit, with 181 roads blocked in the area alone and widespread damage to infrastructure. Across the state, 278 water supply schemes are non-functional, and several subdivisions—Seraj, Karsog, Thalout, and Dharampur—have reported massive damage.
“Monsoon has just begun, and already Himachal is witnessing extensive damage. Several lives have been lost so far. The epicentre of the destruction is Mandi district,” said Agnihotri, adding that full state machinery has been mobilised to restore essential services.
He highlighted that large-scale restoration of roads, power, and water supply systems is underway. “In Siraj constituency alone, 20 transformers are missing, and power lines are down over several kilometres,” he said.
Relief camps have been set up across the affected regions to provide food and essential services, with government departments working beyond political lines to assist victims.
The Deputy CM expressed concern over the unusually intense rainfall early in the monsoon, citing instances of up to 10 simultaneous cloudbursts in some areas. An alert remains active as more rainfall is expected.
The SDMA bulletin issued Sunday evening reported 243 roads still blocked, 241 electricity transformers disrupted, and 278 water supply schemes non-functional across the state. Districts such as Kullu, Kangra, and Una are among the worst affected, with significant damage reported in Banjar, Nirmand, Palampur, and Shahpur.
Officials from multiple departments are continuing restoration efforts, while the SDMA urged residents to stay alert as monsoon activity remains strong.