Himachal monsoon havoc: 819 roads, 1,236 transformers and 424 water schemes disrupted

Monsoon fury in Himachal Pradesh has severely damaged the state’s infrastructure, disrupting 819 roads, including three national highways, 1,236 electricity transformers, and 424 water supply schemes, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said.

Since June 20, the cumulative death toll in the state has reached 320, with 166 fatalities due to rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and electrocution, while 154 deaths occurred in road accidents, the SDMA said.

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Himachal Pradesh’s road network has suffered extensive damage, with major blockages reported on NH-03, NH-05, and NH-305. Hundreds of rural link roads also remain cut off due to landslides and debris flows. The worst-affected districts include Chamba (253), Mandi (206), Kullu (175), and Kangra (61).

Power supply in Himachal Pradesh has been severely hit, with 1,236 distribution transformers damaged or non-operational, mainly in Kullu (357), Chamba (296), Una (330), and Mandi (177). Restoration efforts are underway, but are being hindered by persistent rain and limited access to high-altitude and interior areas.

Water supply has been disrupted in 424 schemes across Himachal Pradesh, affecting both drinking water and irrigation. The worst-hit districts include Chamba (77 schemes), Mandi (56), Kullu (39), and Shimla (32).

Authorities have deployed multiple teams to clear roads, restore power, and repair water supply lines, but cautioned that heavy rain forecasts may delay complete restoration.

Cumulative losses in Himachal Pradesh between June 20 and August 30 are estimated at ₹3,04,207.46 lakh, encompassing damage to lives, livestock, agriculture, horticulture, houses, shops, factories, public utilities, and other infrastructure.

Rain-related fatalities in Himachal Pradesh include 33 deaths by drowning, 17 in cloudbursts, 14 due to electrocution, 11 in landslides, and 9 in flash floods, with additional cases caused by lightning, snakebites, and falls from steep terrain. Major accident-related deaths were reported from Chamba (22), Mandi (22), Kangra (19), and Shimla (16).