Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 27 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh has suffered in depth lack of life and property in the course of the ongoing monsoon season, with 310 folks killed since June 20, in accordance with the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Of these, 158 deaths occurred in rain-related incidents reminiscent of landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning strikes, electrocution, and different weather-triggered causes, whereas 152 folks died in highway accidents.
The SDMA knowledge exhibits that the worst rain-related casualty counts had been reported from Mandi (29), Kangra (30), Chamba (14), Kinnaur (14), and Kullu (13). Landslides and flash floods alone have claimed not less than 19 lives, with drowning accounting for 33 deaths. Electrocution and different rain-linked mishaps additionally contributed considerably to the toll.
Road accidents, which surged amid slippery roads, poor visibility, and landslide particles, claimed 22 lives every in Chamba and Mandi, 19 in Kangra, 16 in Solan, and 15 in Shimla. Fatal crashes had been additionally recorded in Bilaspur (7), Kinnaur (14), Kullu (13), and different districts.
The catastrophe has additionally brought about huge harm to infrastructure and livelihoods. The complete estimated loss to public property stands at over Rs 2.45 lakh crore, with the Public Works Department (PWD) reporting Rs 1.31 lakh crore in highway harm, Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV) noting Rs 87,226 crore in water provide and irrigation losses, and the facility sector reporting Rs 13,946 crore in harm to electrical energy infrastructure.
Private property harm is widespread, with 324 homes totally broken, 396 partially broken, and hundreds of outlets, cowsheds, and different constructions affected. The report additionally notes the lack of over 1,846 head of livestock and 25,755 poultry birds.
Over 670 roads, together with three nationwide highways, had been blocked, 1,413 electrical energy distribution transformers had been disrupted, and 420 water provide schemes had been out of service, in accordance with the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).
Connectivity stays minimize off in components of the Chamba district as a result of community and highway failures. In distinction, a number of main stretches within the Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, and Shimla districts have been rendered impassable by landslides and particles. In Mandi alone, 342 roads are shut, together with National Highway 03, whereas Kullu reported 131 highway blockages, with NH 305 closed. In Kinnaur, NH-05 stays blocked at Nigulsari Tranda.
Power infrastructure has been severely hit in Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra, which collectively account for greater than 1,400 disrupted transformers throughout the state. Water provide has additionally been crippled, significantly in Kullu (88 schemes), Mandi (62), and Kangra (148), leaving hundreds of residents with out entry to potable water.
Authorities mentioned restoration work is ongoing, however steady rain and recurring landslides are hampering efforts. The SDMA has urged the general public to keep away from pointless journey in affected areas and to observe security advisories issued by native administrations.
Officials mentioned restoration work is being carried out on a warfare footing, however intermittent heavy rain and recurring landslides proceed to hinder operations. The SDMA has urged residents in susceptible areas to stay on excessive alert and keep away from non-essential journey. (ANI)