Monsoon Crisis Grips Himachal Pradesh: Highway Blocked, Death Toll Climbs to 261
Heavy monsoon rains have unleashed chaos in Himachal Pradesh, with flash floods disrupting the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway in Mandi district. The deluge, reported on Sunday in areas like Panarsa, Takoli, and Nagwain, has severed connectivity along the Mandi-Kullu stretch, halting traffic and stranding commuters. According to Sachin Hiremath, Assistant Superintendent of Police in Mandi, no human casualties have been reported in these specific incidents, but police are maintaining heightened vigilance while restoration efforts work to clear the debris-laden route.
The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) reports a grim toll, with 261 lives lost between June 20 and August 16 due to monsoon-related disasters. Of these, 136 deaths resulted from rain-triggered incidents, including landslides, flash floods, drowning, electrocution, and collapsing structures, while 125 fatalities were attributed to road accidents. Mandi district has been hit hardest, recording 26 rain-related deaths and significant infrastructure damage. Other heavily affected areas include Kangra (28 deaths), Chamba (10), and Kullu (11).
The relentless rains have caused widespread destruction, with damages to public and private property estimated at Rs 2,14,457 lakh. The Public Works Department alone faces losses exceeding Rs 1.18 lakh crore, while agriculture and horticulture sectors report damages over Rs 83,000 crore. Road connectivity, a critical lifeline, remains severely disrupted, with major highways like NH-05 in Kinnaur and NH-305 in Kullu blocked by landslides and floods. Remote villages are cut off, complicating rescue and relief operations.
The devastation extends to homes and livestock, with 278 houses completely destroyed, 288 partially damaged, and 703 cowsheds lost. Over 27,000 animals and birds have perished. Authorities are prioritizing the restoration of essential services like roads, power, and water, but ongoing rainfall and recurring landslides are hampering efforts. Residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow weather advisories.