Punjab Newsline | Shimla
Monsoon has emerged as a major challenge for both public life and government infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh this year. According to the cumulative report issued by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) up to August 12, a total of 75 people have died in rain-related disasters during the current monsoon season.
The report also recorded 98 deaths in road accidents during the same period. With disaster-related and road accident fatalities combined, the monsoon death toll in the state has reached 173.
The government has estimated the total loss during the monsoon season at Rs 93,663.41 lakh (approximately Rs 936.63 crore). The damage includes losses to public and private property as well as various government departments.
200 roads closed, power and water services affected
Heavy rainfall continued to disrupt normal life on the morning of August 13. In its report released at 10 am, the SEOC said that 200 roads were blocked across the state. In addition, 45 distribution transformers (DTRs) were disrupted and 39 drinking water supply schemes remained affected.
Although the number of blocked roads decreased slightly from 209 on the previous evening to 200, interruptions in electricity and water supply continued in several areas.
Mandi worst affected, Kullu also faces major disruption
Mandi district reported the highest number of road closures, with 64 roads blocked. It was followed by Kullu (60 roads), Shimla (32) and Chamba (24). Other affected districts included Lahaul-Spiti (3 roads), Kinnaur (2) and Una (4).
In Kullu district, 19 roads in Banjar subdivision, 23 in Kullu subdivision, 8 in Ani and 10 in Nirmand remained closed. In Mandi district, 41 roads in the Seraj area were affected.
The latest figures indicate that continuous rainfall is severely affecting transportation and rural connectivity in the hill districts, with many remote areas facing ongoing disruption to essential services and road access.
