Himachal monsoon havoc persists: Over 200 roads blocked, death toll at 85

Mandi district remains the worst-affected, accounting for the highest number of road blockages, major power outages, and damaged water supply systems

The death toll in the ongoing monsoon devastation in Himachal Pradesh has reached 85, according to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

Himachal Pradesh is still recovering from the impact of 30 hours of torrential rain between June 30 and July 1 that led to 10 cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. (ANI)

So far, 54 fatalities were directly caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, while 31 deaths were reported from road accidents, as per the SDMA

The SDMA confirmed that the state continues to reel under the impact of relentless rains.

In the past 24 hours alone, 204 roads have been blocked, including the National Highway NH-003 connecting Mandi to Dharampur via Kotli. Additionally, 192 distribution transformers (DTRs) and 740 water supply schemes have been disrupted across the state.

Mandi district remains the worst-affected, accounting for the highest number of road blockages (138), major power outages, and damaged water supply systems.

In Kullu, 20 roads were blocked due to heavy rain, while Sirmaur and Kangra also reported significant infrastructure disruptions, said the latest update.

"All emergency services are on alert. Restoration of road access, electricity, and water supply is ongoing," said officials at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), which compiled the utility disruption report.

The SDMA reiterated its appeal to the public to avoid travel on vulnerable routes, especially in high-altitude and landslide-prone areas, as more rain is forecast in the coming days.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday visited the flood-affected areas of the Seraj assembly constituency of Mandi district and assured the affected families of all possible support from the state government.

He also inspected the relief camp set up at Bagsiad for the victims and took feedback on the assistance being provided.

While interacting with media persons, the Chief Minister said that relief and rescue operations were being carried out effectively in the Seraj.

However, he expressed concern over some individuals spreading misinformation on social media. He stated, “I personally got delivered relief material and ration to rain-hit Galu in a helicopter. Later, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh also visited the affected areas to assess the damage caused.”