Monsoon Mayhem in Himachal
In a relentless three-week onslaught, the monsoon has devastated Himachal Pradesh, claimed 92 lives and caused widespread destruction amounting to a staggering Rs 751.78 crore in damages.
Monsoon Mayhem in Himachal
According to data released by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the fury of nature between June 20 and July 11 has left the hill state reeling. Torrential rains, cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods have turned scenic landscapes into disaster zones.
Monsoon Mayhem in Himachal
Out of the total fatalities, 56 deaths were directly linked to rain-related disasters including cloudbursts, landslides, electrocution, drowning, and flash floods. The remaining 36 lost their lives in road accidents, with Kullu, Chamba, and Solan districts emerging as hotspots for these tragic incidents.
Monsoon Mayhem in Himachal
Mandi district, known for its picturesque valleys, has faced the worst of the devastation. In just 11 days, it reported 15 deaths, 27 people missing, and five injuries. The district also saw the 16 MW Patikari hydroelectric project suffer serious damage. The agricultural and livestock sector was not spared either, over 854 animals perished in Mandi alone.
Monsoon Mayhem in Himachal
The storm left behind a staggering trail of wreckage:
- 844 homes, 631 cowsheds, and 164 shops damaged
- 14 bridges and 31 vehicles swept away or destroyed
- Over 368 homes and 295 shops completely flattened
- 247 roads, including critical highways like NH-003 and NH-21, remain blocked
- 463 power transformers and 781 water supply schemes are out of service
Despite the chaos, rescue and relief operations are in full swing. In Mandi, 534 people have been relocated to 16 relief camps, with 5,228 tarpaulins and 3,093 ration kits distributed. The Indian Air Force has carried out emergency airlifts, rescuing 290 people, including 92 school children and two pregnant women, from isolated regions.
Monsoon Mayhem in Himachal
High-risk areas such as Thunag, Gohar, and Karsog are under close watch, with multiple agencies such as NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, ITBP, and Home Guards coordinating operations. Drones and airdropped medical supplies are aiding isolated villages like Lambathach and Pakhrair.
As the skies remain ominous, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has issued warnings urging residents to stay alert, especially in landslide-prone and low-lying areas, with more rainfall on the horizon.
Monsoon Mayhem in Himachal
Himachal, the land of gods and mountains, now stands at the mercy of nature, counting its losses and hoping for clearer skies.
