Life in Himachal Pradesh has been severely affected due to monsoon rains and landslides. According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), heavy rains are continuing in the state, causing emergency situations in many areas.
Shimla: Continuous heavy rains and landslides have completely disrupted life in Himachal Pradesh. According to a report by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 316 roads in the state have been blocked so far, and many electricity and water supply schemes have been disrupted. Since the beginning of the monsoon, 295 deaths have occurred in the state, of which 151 deaths were directly caused by rain and landslide events.
Life Affected by Rain and Landslides
The SDMA report revealed that the highest number of roads, 105, are closed in Kullu district, followed by 157 in Mandi, 23 in Kangra, and 4 in Chamba. National Highway-305 (NH-305), the Balichowki and Gajdahar route, is also closed, and alternative routes have also been damaged. The most significant disruption in electricity supply has been observed in Kullu, where 77 distribution transformers have failed. 15 transformers in Mandi and 6 in Kangra have been affected. In water supply schemes, 75 in Kullu, 43 in Mandi, and 2 schemes in Lahaul-Spiti have been affected.
The SDMA stated that repair work is ongoing, but continuous rains and frequent landslides are hindering the work. Regional teams are working around the clock to open blocked roads, restore electricity, and restart water supply. At the same time, the public has been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and follow weather warnings. An appeal has been made to exercise special vigilance in landslide-prone areas.
295 Deaths So Far
An analysis of the deaths caused by rain and landslides revealed that:
- 10 deaths were caused by landslides
- 9 deaths were due to sudden floods
- 17 deaths were due to cloudbursts
- 31 deaths were due to drowning
- The remaining deaths include incidents such as electric shock, snake bites, and accidental falls.
- Road accidents have also increased. 21 people died in Chamba, 22 in Mandi, 18 in Kangra, and 15 in Shimla due to road accidents.
Economic Loss in Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu
In these districts, rain and landslides have caused heavy damage to public and private property, crops, and livestock. This economic loss is affecting both the rural and urban economy of the state and may have a long-term impact on the lives of local residents. The situation is also challenging for tourists. Many major tourist spots are closed, and travel plans have been affected due to road blockages. The administration has appealed to tourists to follow the advice of local authorities and avoid risky areas.
