Heavy overnight rains in Himachal Pradesh have caused severe damage across Himachal Pradesh, further derailed life in many areas, including the capital, Shimla and nearby areas.
According to Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap in Shimla town, a tree collapse in Vikas Nagar broke the roof of a building and blocked the road, while more than half a dozen trees fell in Tooti Kandi, crushing several vehicles and closing the road.
“In Khalini, six labourers narrowly escaped when a wall collapsed around 4 am,” he said.
The State Emergency Operations Centre reported that the monsoon death toll has climbed to 229, with 323 people injured and 39 still missing since June 20.
Mandi district remains the worst-hit with 44 fatalities, followed by Kangra (35) and Chamba (26). Across the state, 916 houses have been completely destroyed, while 27,366 structures, including homes, shops, huts, and cow sheds, have been partially damaged.
Losses to public infrastructure are estimated at Rs 1,145.27 crore while private property damage has reached Rs 1,988.97 crore bringing the total estimated loss to over Rs 2,00,7.41 crore.
As of Monday evening, 315 roads remained blocked, including National Highway-305 at Jhed (Khanag) in Kullu due to a landslide.
The worst road disruptions were reported from Mandi (181 roads), Kullu (84), and Kangra (23). Power supply has been hit, with 72 distribution transformers out of service, and 491 water supply schemes are disrupted across several districts.
The rains have also disrupted apple transportation during the peak season, causing further economic distress. Patients, especially those in need of urgent care, are struggling to reach hospitals due to blocked roads.
Pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses face severe hardships, and ambulance services are unable to operate efficiently in many rain-hit areas.
Major rivers and rivulets are flowing above danger marks, increasing the risk of flash floods.
Authorities have advised residents in low-lying and landslide-prone areas to remain on high alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official safety advisories as the state braces for more rain in the coming days.