Monsoon in Himachal Pradesh: 170 people killed since June 20, 301 roads blocked
Monsoon in Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with widespread disruption in public utilities due to relentless monsoon rains.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), as of 10:00 AM on July 31, a total of 301 roads remain blocked, 436 power distribution transformers (DTRs) are disrupted, and 254 water supply schemes have been affected across the state.
The ongoing monsoon season, which began on June 20, has so far led to 170 human fatalities, with 94 deaths attributed to rain-related incidents like landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, and electrocution, while 76 people have died in road accidents, according to a cumulative report from the SEOC.
The SEOC report confirms that heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has been the primary reason for the widespread breakdown in public services.
The highest number of road blockages was reported in Mandi district with 193 routes shut, followed by Kullu (47) and Chamba (25). Disruptions in power transformers were notably severe in Kullu (134) and Chamba (142) districts.
Officials are maintaining heightened vigilance as major national highways, such as NH-21 connecting Mandi and Kullu, have become inaccessible because of landslides and flooding. Efforts to restore these routes are underway, although persistent rainfall is slowing down the progress.
Earlier, SEOC report revealed that the monsoon havoc has also led to damage worth over Rs 1,59,981 lakh to public and private property, with 2,743 hectares of crops affected, 680 homes damaged, and over 22,900 livestock lost.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) is still working alongside local authorities to reinstate vital services and clear roadways. Nonetheless, with more rain forecasted, locals are advised to stay vigilant and refrain from traveling to areas at risk.
Authorities are on alert, and disaster response teams have been deployed in sensitive zones for timely rescue and relief operations.
According to Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh, Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh has incurred losses exceeding Rs 48 crore since the onset of the monsoon season, with 17 fatalities reported. (ANI)