Although the monsoon in Himachal Pradesh is in its final phase, rainfall is continuing.
In the past 24 hours, widespread rain has been recorded in most parts of the state, including the capital Shimla, with Shri Naina Devi in Bilaspur district receiving the highest rainfall at 140 millimetres.
The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has predicted light to moderate rainfall in most parts of the state today and tomorrow.
Continuous rainfall and multiple incidents of landslides have disrupted normal life in Himachal Pradesh. In the BBN industrial area of Jharmajri in Solan district, several industrial buildings were submerged after the Kotla rivulet overflowed. In the Kangra district, the water level of Pong Dam has also risen above the danger mark due to continuous rainfall.
According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, two national highways and 604 link roads in the state are blocked for traffic. During this monsoon season so far, 146 landslides, 98 flash floods, and 46 cloudburst incidents have been recorded in the state. As per official figures, 424 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, while 45 others are still missing.
The SDMA’s latest cumulative report highlights widespread disruption caused by relentless rainfall, leaving 604 roads, including two national highways, obstructed, along with 228 incapacitated power transformers and 221 non-functional water supply schemes as of September 18.
Mandi district recorded the highest casualties with 42 rain-related and 24 road accident deaths, followed by Kangra, Chamba, and Shimla. The monsoon’s wrath included landslides claiming 52 lives, drowning accounting for 40 deaths, and other rain-induced incidents.
Major infrastructure losses were in Kullu and Kinnaur, with key roads like NH-03 and NH-305 severely impacted.
Over 29,000 dwellings suffered damages, with economic losses estimated at Rs 47,49 crore. Authorities prioritize restoring essential services amid ongoing relief efforts.